ROSEMONT – The Bandits comeback attempt fell one run short on Friday night against the Akron Racers at The Ballpark at Rosemont as they dropped the opener of the three-game series 6-5.
After winning both games in Akron earlier in the week, a three-RBI double from draftee Emily Carosone was not enough as Kelley Montalvo (1-for-2, 2B, 3 RBI) helped power the Racers to the win.
Carosone’s sixth inning double marked the first hit of her professional career and brought the Bandits (7-5) to within a run, but Chicago was unable to push the tying run across the plate.
“I was excited, just trying to keep my team in the game,” Carosone said. “I was focused on seeing the middle and bottom half of that ball so it would carry. I was trying to see ball, hit ball. Keeping it simple.”
The 6-5 lead for the Racers would hold through the last inning, but Carosone – who signed with the Bandits on Wednesday after four years at Auburn – said she enjoys being on a team that is resilient.
“Auburn was just like that, as long as we have an out to play with, we’re going to keep going,” she said. “Keep pushing on runners and trying to get on base and score runs for our pitchers.”
Scoring started quickly for both teams as the Racers (6-4) put up three runs in their half of the first inning. Two of the runs scored on groundouts and Racers designated player Alex Hugo (2-for-3, RBI, R, HBP, K) brought home a run with an RBI-single.
The Bandits answered right back with a pair of runs of their own. After back-to-back singles from the first two batters, catcher Taylor Edwards (1-for-1, 3B, 2 RBI, 3 BB) hit a two-RBI triple to straightaway center field. In three games against Akron this season she is 4-for-8 with two home runs, one double, one triple, three RBIs and two runs scored.
Akron responded with two more runs in the fourth with an aggressive mentality at the plate. Third baseman Kelley Montalvo (1-for-2, 2B, 3 RBI) had an-RBI double to center field and first baseman Sandra Simmons added an RBI-single, both on the first pitches of their at bats.
Carosone said the team needed to capitalize on opportunities with runners in scoring position. The Bandits left 12 runners stranded in the game, including Carosone three times.
Bandits pitcher Shelby Turnier came in to relieve Lacey Waldrop (L, 3-1) who started the game. After collecting her first career victory during the Bandits’ five-game road trip, Turnier finished with 2.2 innings pitched, allowing no hits and striking out three.
The teams play game two of the series Saturday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:35 p.m. The team’s ceremony celebrating the 2015 NPF Championship is scheduled to begin at 7:20 p.m.
Tickets for Saturday’s game all remaining home games during the 2016 season are on sale now. Visit www.chicagobandits.com or call the box office at 877-722-6348 to order.
