LOOMIS’ GRAND SLAM KEYS SOFTBALL’S ROUT OF #19 OHIO STATE

3/14/2008

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Junior Whitney Loomis had three hits and a grand slam to lead a Sacramento State offensive attack that pounded out 14 runs and 16 hits while defeating 19th-ranked Ohio State, 14-6, in the second round of the Capital Classic Softball Tournament Friday afternoon at the Sacramento Softball Complex.

All but one Hornet starter had at least one hit, and five of those players had multiple-hit contests, including Loomis, who went 3-for-5 with three runs, a home run, double and four RBIs. Junior Jamie Schloredt also went deep, a two-run blast in the third inning. Kayla Meeks finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs, Hilary Johnson went 3-for-5, and Rachel Miles and Teri Ann Caoagan each went 2-for-4.

The victory gave the Hornets their first win over a ranked opponent this season, and the team improved to 2-0 at the tournament and 12-10 overall this season. Sacramento State defeated Princeton, 4-3, in the first round earlier today. In addition, the Hornets’ potent offensive attack, which has now combined for a .304 batting average this season, has scored at least 13 runs four times this season. That sets the Sacramento State Div. I (1990-pres.) record for most games with at least 13 runs in a single season.

In addition, the Hornets' 16 hits in the game are the most against Ohio State since Buckeye pitchers allowed 16 hits on April 18, 1999, in an eight-inning loss at Michigan State

Ohio State, which is currently ranked 19th in the nation in the USA Today/NFCA top 25, dropped to 17-5 overall and 1-1 at the tournament with the loss. The Buckeyes had won seven straight prior to the defeat.

Sacramento State put up crooked numbers on the scoreboard, including five runs in the third, four more in the fourth, and four in the sixth inning. Seven different Hornets had at least one RBI, comprised of Loomis (4), Schloredt (2), Meeks (2), Izmena Cabrera (1), Miles (1), Caoagan (1) and Johnson (1).

Meeks pitched the first six innings of the game to grab the win and improve her record on the season to 6-4. Brittani Clifford threw the final inning to put the game away.

Loomis’ grand slam in the sixth inning gave the Hornets a 13-3 lead before Ohio State scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to avoid being mercy ruled. Sacramento State tacked on one more in the top of the seventh on Miles' first home run of the season to provide the final margin of victory.

Megan Miller (4-1) took the loss for Ohio State, allowing nine hits and eight runs (five earned) in 3.1 innings of work.

Sacramento State returns tomorrow for two more Capital Classic games against both 11th-ranked Oklahoma (10 a.m.) and Colorado State (3 p.m.). The Hornets wrap up play Sunday with a game against Northern Colorado at 9 a.m.