April 2, 2000
Box Score
CHICAGO, Ill. -
Chicago, Ill. - After sweeping a pair from Butler University Saturday, the Illini dropped their second and third games of the season to Loyola Sunday. Illinois had lost a 2-1 decision to Loyola in eight innings a week ago at the Indiana State Tournament. Sunday the Ramblers (14-9), fresh off a split with nationally-ranked Illinois-Chicago, defeated Illinois (10-14) 7-2 and 7-3 in front of 375 fans.
Loyola built leads early in both games, scoring a run in the second and four more in the third to lead 5-0 in the opener. In game two the Ramblers put a seven spot on the board in the bottom of the first inning to set the tone for that contest.
The Illini inched away in both games, but left ten runners on base in each. Aimee Martel's RBI single and Susan Scott's two-run homer highlighted a four-run third for Loyola in game one.
Illinois responded with two runs in the fourth. Jean Jones reached on an error, Heather Black (3 for 4, 1 run) doubled to left-center field, and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Kim Hubbard. Laura Cannizzo singled home Jones in between. The Illini left runners on second and third in that inning, then left three more on base in the sixth and two runners on in the seventh.
The Illini's Pam Almanza (5-7) lasted 2 2/3 innings and gave up five earned runs in the opener. Erin Smith (7-4) struck out five and scattered five hits to record the win for Loyola.
Five of the seven runs Loyola scored in the nightcap were unearned. Yasmin Khan tripled home the first run. Peggy Casey singled home two runs and Katie Blackmore doubled in two more in the inning.
Illinois pounded out nine hits in the second game. Jenny Floyd was 2 for 4 with a run scored. The Illini scored all three of their runs in the sixth inning. Floyd's double put runners on second and third with one out. Pinch hitter Jenny Powaga singled home Gina Pasquesi, who led off the inning with a single, then Lindsay Creydt knocked in Floyd with a base hit of her own. Lori Schaeffer was 2 for 4 with a double in the second game. Heather Black (3-3) picked up the loss for the Illini. Sarah Monaco (1-2) recorded the win for Loyola.
The Illini return to action April 14 at Valparaiso
