EVANSVILLE, Ind. (March 20, 2021) -
In Short
Amelia Thomas' solo home run in the top of the fourth inning was all the offense winning pitcher
Sydney Ruggles would need as Loyola University Chicago (5-11) opened Missouri Valley Conference play with a 1-0 victory over Evansville in game one of a doubleheader Saturday.
How It Happened
Loyola scored first on Thomas' solo home run to left field with one out in the top of the fourth inning and that would prove to be enough for Ruggles.
The Ramblers would put the pressure on again in the top of the seventh on back-to-back, two-out singles by
Abbey Jacobsen and
Teagan Sopczak, which put a runner on third base, but an Izzy Vetter strikeout thwarted the rally.
The Purple Aces had a terrific opportunity to tie or win in the game in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases thanks to a lead-off hit and then two walks, but. Ruggles put an end to Evansviille's comeback by striking out Lindsay Renneisen to finish off the game.
A Look at the Numbers
- Thomas belted her first home run of 2021 and had the game-winning hit.
- Ruggles struck out a career-best 14 batters, despite walking eight, and yielded only three hits.
Up Next
Loyola and Evansville face off in game two of the double header next.