THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The Bandits scored six times in the sixth inning on Wednesday night to even up the series against the Scrap Yard Dawgs at the Scrap Yard Complex.
After trailing 4-2, the six-run outburst, which was sparked by three consecutive batters reaching base to lead off the inning, propelled the Bandits to an 8-4 win.
In the opening inning, the Bandits (9-7) got off to a quick start with a pair of runs, courtesy of a two-out, two-RBI double to the left-center gap by Natalie Hernandez (1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI). However, the Dawgs (8-8), coming off six straight victories, responded quickly, scoring a run of their own in the bottom half of the frame.
Scrap Yard added another run in the second to pull even and would go on to take the lead with two more in the fifth on consecutive RBI-singles from Nerissa Myers and Christian Stokes.
However, the Bandits took full advantage of a big opportunity in the sixth to burst ahead for good. After Taylor Edwards singled leading off the inning, Emily Carosone was hit by a pitch and Natalie Hernandez reached on a failed fielder’s choice. A single through left side from Danielle Zymkowitz (1-for-4, RBI, R) brought home the first run of the frame and Megan Blank was hit with the bases loaded to allow the tying run to score, marking her second RBI of the season.
The Bandits took the lead in the following at-bat when a passed ball reached the backstop and Sammy Marshall’s (1-for-3, 2 RBI, R) two-RBI base knock provided some insurance. Marshall went on to score on a wild pitch to extend the Bandits’ lead to four runs.
Shelby Turnier (W, 2-1, 3.0 IP, 0 R) pitched effectively in relief of starter Michelle Gascoigne (ND, 4.0 IP, 3 ER) to collect her second win of the season. With the Bandits trailing 3-2 at the time, Turnier entered the circle with two runners on and nobody out and was able to limit the damage.
Ivy Renfroe (L, 0-1, 0.1 IP, 5 ER) took the loss for the Dawgs.
The rubber match in the series is set for tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. The game will be available for fans via NPF TV and 1590 WCGO.
Tickets for 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.
About the Chicago Bandits
Since 2005, the Chicago Bandits have been members of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. Located in Rosemont, the Bandits provide an opportunity for female fastpitch players to further their careers at a professional level, and the roster has included such names as Jennie Finch, Stacy May-Johnson, Emily Allard and Tammy Williams. The three-time NPF Champions, who are owned by Bill Sokolis, play at The Ballpark at Rosemont, the only stadium in the country built for a women’s professional team. The 2016 season will be the Bandits 12th season in the NPF.
About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2002, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in diamond sports beyond their collegiate success. The 2016 NPF season will be televised on CBS Sports Network. Coverage includes the NPF College Draft presented by Bownet on Thur., April 14, followed by 23 regular-season games, a Championship Series Preview Special and the 2016 NPF Championship Series. The NPF recently announced that the Scrap Yard Dawgs, located in The Woodlands, Texas, will join the Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Dallas Charge, Pennsylvania Rebellion and USSSA Pride for the 2016 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and New Zealand, representing the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.
Courtesy of Jason Lowenthal
