Box Score April 7, 2011
Box Score
CHICAGO - A quartet of unanswered runs would seal the UIC softball teams fate in a 4-1 victory over Loyola on Thursday afternoon to take a critical series in Horizon League action.
The Flames (14-15, 5-3 Horizon) trailed from the get-go as the Ramblers' (13-14, 4-2 Horizon) Jacqueline Grim would take a two out ball for a ride over left field to put the visitors on the board in the first.
Carly DeMarco would tie things up in the bottom of the frame when she scored from second with intelligent baserunning from the senior outfielder.
Amidst Ashely Hewett's single that dribbled in front of pitcher Seana Stillson, no Rambler infielder was covering first and Hewett was able to outrace Stillson to the bag. DeMarco continued moving after reaching third, catching a confused Stillson off guard for a 1-1 game.
Devin Miller would begin to clamp down on Loyola at the plate in the second, fanning the first of nine batters on the day, matching her season best performance.
Left fielder Melissa Preish would open the bottom of the second with a five pitch walk and move over to third after a dropped flyout in center. Melinda Macias would break the tie ballgame with a shot out to left center, bringing Preish in with the go-ahead run at 2-1.
With Aguilar at third, DeMarco picked up her sixth RBI of the season with a bloopers to left for a two run Flames lead.
Upon chasing Stillson from the game, Hewett would get her second RBI of the game for her sacrifice infield hit to bring Macias home for a three run lead at 4-1.
Loyola, held hitless after the first inning would look to stage a comeback in the seventh as Lauren Moore ripped a shot out to the wall in right center field. But DeMarco, who has been stellar all season gunned down Moore at second to prevent any offensive chances for the Ramblers near the conclusion of the game.
The Flames will close out this early April homestand this weekend when Youngstown State visits Chicago, beginning with a Saturday doubleheader slated to start at 1 p.m.
Saturday's doubleheader will see UIC partner with the American Heart Association to increase awareness about the leading killer of all Americans. Fans in attendance can anticipate educational materials, giveaways and appearances from the AHA's official mascot, Sir Beats-A-Lot alongside the Flames' own Sparky D. Dragon.
