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Bulldogs Split With League-Leading Loyola
April 28, 2007 Junior Nikki Naffziger hurled a complete game three-hitter to lead Butler to a 3-1 victory over host Loyola and a split with the Horizon League leader in a doubleheader at Loyola Softball Park on Saturday (April 28). The Ramblers captured the opener, 3-0. Naffziger (5-3) held the Ramblers to just one hit through the first five innings. After surrendering a leadoff single in the first inning, the Butler righthander retired 12 consecutive batters. She was nicked for a leadoff home run in the sixth inning, but retired six of the final seven batters she faced. Naffziger matched her season-high with nine strikeouts, while walking just two Ramblers. The Bulldogs (22-18, 7-4 Horizon League) jumped to a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a run-scoring single by junior Jenny Jacobs. In the third inning, junior Amy Hyerczyk walked, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, reached third on a wild pitch and stole home for Butler's second run. Butler closed out its scoring in the fifth inning on a single by senior JoAnna Zumbrun and a run-scoring double by freshman Bridget Paine. Butler had just four hits in the contest. Loyola (17-16, 12-3 Horizon) controlled the opener behind the strong pitching performance of sophomore Krista Crosson. The Ramblers' righthander blanked the Bulldogs on seven hits, while improving to 7-4 on the season. She had two stikeouts and no walks in the complete game performance. The Ramblers scored a single run off of Butler starter Jamie Wonderly (8-7) in the first inning, and then added single runs in the fifth and sixth frames. Wonderly allowed just five hits and two earned runs. Zumbrun paced the Bulldogs with two hits in the contest. Paine added a double to the Butler offense.
The two league foes will finish the three-game series with a single game on Sunday, April 29, at Loyola Softball Park. |
