April 11, 2012

Box Score

CHICAGO - Junior catcher Teresa Aguilar threw out three runners attempting to steal in three consecutive innings, the second, third and fourth. UIC was defeated by Loyola, 1-0 Wednesday at the Loyola Softball Park in Chicago, Ill.

"Our hitters need to do a better job adjusting," head coach Michelle Venturella said. "Once we do that, I think our offense will come around. We need to come out tomorrow and set the tone early and compete every inning."

Junior Devin Miller started and pitched for the Flames. During her six innings of play, Miller gave up five hits and run, while blanking four batters.

During the bottom of the second inning, Aguilar rang up the first Rambler who attempted to steal on her. The junior would go on to throw out a runner in both the third and fourth innings, as well. Two of the runners were attempting to steal second base and one was en route to third.

During the bottom of the third inning, Loyola scored its sole run, and the only run between either team during the contest.

The Flames had opportunities to score in several innings as the team stranded nine runners on base. During the top of the fourth inning, sophomore Jenna Marsalli reached on a fielder's choice, before Melissa Preish was hit by a pitch to advance to first. With runners on first and second base, junior left-hander Kara Komp laid down a solid slap bunt to load the bases. With the bases loaded, the Flames were retired by the Ramblers.

The Flames return to Loyola Softball Park Thursday to conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader, which is set to begin at 3:00 p.m. (CT).