CHICAGO (May 1, 2022) – The Loyola University Chicago softball team played its final home series of the season as they hosted the Drake University Bulldogs. After winning the first game yesterday, the Ramblers came out and went 1-1 on the day to finish the series 2-1. This is the first time the Ramblers have taken a series from the Bulldogs since 2014.
GAME 2 OF 3
The second game of this series began on Saturday at 3 p.m. and ended on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Not because it was the longest amount of time on the field, but inclement weather that caused the game to be suspended. Before the storm hit yesterday, the Ramblers and Bulldogs were tied 6-6 in the fifth inning.
However, once Loyola hit the field again today, it kept up with the momentum. The Maroon and Gold kept Drake from scoring despite its best efforts. This gave Loyola the chance to score a run of its own in extra innings,
Nova Sinskul hit a single up the middle to bring
Haley Wallace home, giving the Ramblers the necessary run to win this game.
Leading the offensive efforts was
Madison Ebeling. She made it around the bases three times to score almost half of the team's runs while stealing two bases in the process. Also adding to the scoreboard was Wallace,
Abbey Jacobsen,
Sydney Barnett and
Ava Bieneman. Along with these runs, Sinskul and Tegan Sopczak finished the game with two RBI's each, the most on the team.
Barnett was the most successful on defense. She registered a team-high seven putouts when she came in at first base while Jacobsen was close behind her with six putouts. Giving out the most assists was Sinskul, who ended the game with four.
On the mound, senior
Sydney Ruggles started off this game. She pitched the first three innings, registering three strikeouts in that time.
Andie Broniewicz came in for her in the third inning, also contributing three strikeouts.
THE HOME FINALE
Thirty minutes after the makeup game ended, the Ramblers were back on the field to play the final game of this series. This low-scoring game was close to going to extra innings like the game prior, but Drake prevented that from happening.
The Bulldogs were the first to score in the third inning, but Ebeling helped the Ramblers after her single brought home Sopczak to tie up the game. However, it was short-lived as Drake scored a run in the seventh inning to put itself back on top. Loyola put itself in a good spot to try for a comeback, but it ultimately wasn't enough as the Maroon and Gold lost the third game 2-1.
Barnett out up the most offensive pressure in today's game as registered a team-high two hits, one of which was a double. Sopczak scored the team's only run, giving Ebeling an RBI on the day. This was a big base running day for Loyola as four Ramblers stole bases.
Ruggles pitched the first four innings for the Ramblers, putting up two strikeouts in her final game at Loyola Softball Park.
Peyton Pepkowski came in during the final three innings, striking out one batter.
On defense, Wallace and Barnett were the two with the most putouts as they both recorded five. Ebeling helped these two out on the most plays, grabbing four assists.
UP NEXT
The Ramblers will play in one more regular season series as they travel to Indiana State to take on the Sycamores. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on Saturday.
