Bandits Capitalize on Racers Mistakes
AKRON, OH (June 28, 2017) – Defensive miscues and a strong performance by Chicago Bandits starting pitcher Haylie Wagner proved too much for the Akron Racers (8-9) to overcome Wednesday night as the team dropped the second game of the three-game series 9-1 at Firestone Stadium.
“I think overall it wasn’t very good,” Racers Field Manager Charlotte Morgan said. “We almost had as many errors as we did hits. Overall, I think every aspect of the game we didn’t play very well.”
The Racers committed four defensive errors while being held to five hits by Wagner. The game dropped the Racers record to 4-2 in Akron this season.
In the top of the first inning, the Bandits (12-10) jumped out to a quick lead, thanks in part to the first defensive miscue of the evening. Second baseman Emily Carosone brought home centerfielder Sammy Marshall on a single up the middle to start the scoring. With two outs in the inning, Bandits’ designated player Stacy May-Johnson doubled down the right field line to score Carosone and catcher Sahvanna Jaquish to lift Chicago to a 3-0 lead.
Facing a 3-0 deficit, the bats finally began to come around for Akron. Racers centerfielder sparked the inning by beating out a bunt single just in front of home plate. After Andrews stole second base, Akron second baseman Ashley Thomas drove Andrews home with a double to the left-center field gap to cut the score to 3-1.
The Bandits took advantage of more Racer miscues in the top of the fifth inning. Two defensive errors added to Chicago’s offense. Catcher Sahvanna Jaquish and left fielder Alexa Peterson both racked up a two-run hit in the inning. Third baseman Stacy May-Johnson would score on a wild pitch, all contributing to a six-run inning that gave the Bandits a 9-1 lead.
Akron starting pitcher Megan Betsa surrendered five hits in four and two-thirds innings to take her first loss of the season, but only allowed one earned run, as Chicago scored eight unearned runs in the game.
Wagner allowed one run on five hits in five innings pitched to pick up her seventh win of the season.
“I just challenged them to come out tomorrow, and we still have a chance to win this series tomorrow,” Morgan said. “We’re going to come out and work hard in the morning and hopefully get a win tomorrow.”
The Racers and Bandits will face off in the rubber match of the series Thursday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For more information or to order tickets, contact the Racers ticket office at 330-376-8188.
Quick Facts:
Attendance: 405
Game Time: 1:52
Vaultz® Lock It Up® Player of the Game: Haylie Wagner
Courtesy of National Pro Fastpitch
