Michigan State University
Loyola Chicago
State Falls To Loyola In Non-Conference Match-Up
4/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 14, 2006
CHICAGO, Ill. - Michigan State was shutout for just the third time this season, suffering a 3-0 setback in non-conference action against Loyola-Chicago on Thursday. State falls to 28-12, 6-0 Big Ten, while the Ramblers improve to 10-30, 4-4 in Horizon League play. Megan Hair posted five strikeouts, allowing just two hits in the loss. Offensively, Caitlin Mahoney, Gina Mondo and Nikki Nicosia each added one hit at the plate.
Both Spartan pitcher Megan Hair and Rambler hurler Krista Crosson were dominant from the circle through the first three innings of play. Crosson allowed just two hits through four innings while Hair held Loyola hitless until the fourth when a Nora Schober home run gave LUC a 1-0 advantage. The Ramblers plated another run before Hair forced a ground ball to the shortstop for the final out of the inning.
The Spartan offense caught fire in the fifth, loading the bases with two outs in the top half of the inning, but Crosson forced a fly ball to the Rambler right fielder to secure the 2-0 lead. State's defense posted back-to-back errors in the bottom of the fifth, allowing LUC to score its final run for the deciding 3-0 upperhand.
Nicole Mercado walked and Kara Weigle singled to center, as State looked to rally in the top of the sixth. Dayna Feenstra reached on an error by the Rambler infield to load the bases, however MSU was unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity.
A Loyola miscue led to another bases loaded situation for the Spartan offense in the seventh. The Rambler defense forced out Gina Mondo and third, and State lined out to right field for the final out of the inning, completing the upset, 3-0.
State committed two errors compared to five by the Rambler defense, while MSU tallied four hits compared to two by LUC. Hair and reliever Lesley Noel allowed two hits, and two earned runs in the loss.
State resumes conference play, Friday vs. Wisconsin at 6 p.m. (CDT). Game two of the series is set for a noon (CDT) start time on Saturday from Madison.
