CHICAGO – Indiana State scored more runs than it had in any of the previous 12 games but a 12-run third inning for Loyola Chicago proved too much to overcome in a 13-7 loss in the second game of a Missouri Valley Conference doubleheader Saturday.
 
The Sycamores (13-22, 1-9) held a 3-1 lead prior to that high-scoring inning for the Ramblers (19-14, 3-8), which saw 15 batters come to the plate for Loyola. Despite the large deficit, Indiana State continued to battle at the plate. The Trees would score three more runs the following inning with two coming from a two-run single by Shaye Barton. Barton drove another run across the plate in the sixth with an RBI single up the middle cut Loyola's lead to 13-7.
 
While no other runs would score for either team, the Ramblers were thwarted multiple times following their big inning. Loyola would strand three runners in scoring position over the next two innings and then were caught on the paths as Olivia Patton and Leslie Sims combined for a double play in the sixth.
 
Arielle Blankenship (6-6) was charged with the loss after allowing five runs on six hits in 2.1 innings while Abbey Kruzel finished the game, allowing four runs on eight hits in 3.2 innings.
 
Madison Veres (3-3) claimed the win after allowing four runs – three earned – on five hits in 3.1 innings in relief. Keenan Dolezal did not receive a decision in the start, allowing three runs on six hits over three innings.
 
Shannon McGee was 3-for-4 with two RBIs for Loyola while Jordyn Cordell drove in three runs to lead the Ramblers.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Leslie Sims was seemingly unstoppable at the plate and so she claims this honor. The speedy junior was 3-for-3 with four runs scored while reaching on a sac bunt and an error by the Ramblers. While on base, Sims swiped her 67^th career stolen base, moving into a tie for second all-time at Indiana State.  Sims also made three putouts and was credited with three assists.
 
STAT OF THE GAME
Leslie Sims scored four runs with three hits in three at bats. While that may sound a little funky, Sims' fourth plate appearance of the game – a sacrifice bunt in the fourth inning – allowed her to reach safely thanks to a Loyola error.
 
PITCHERS OF RECORD

• Win: Madison Veres, Loyola Chicago (3-3)
• Loss: Arielle Blankenship, Indiana State (6-6)
• Save: None

RECORDS UPDATE

• Indiana State: 13-22 (1-9 MVC)
• Loyola Chicago: 19-14 (3-8 MVC)

NOTABLES

• Indiana State is now 11-13 all-time against Loyola Chicago with a 1-7 record in Chicago.
• Leslie Sims now has 67 career stolen bases, tying Morgan Allee (2013-14) for second all-time at Indiana State.
• Sims' 21 stolen bases this year ranks fifth in a single season in Sycamore history.
• Shaye Barton tied a career-high with three RBI in the game.
• Indiana State is 6-8 this season when opposing teams commit two or more errors.
• This marked the 10^th game this season Indiana State has allowed four runs or more in a single inning. ISU is 0-10 in those games.

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