ROSEMONT – (By: Brent Meske) The Bandits’ offense would not be subdued two nights in a row. After a shutout the previous night, the Bandits’ bats came alive for five runs in the second inning of Tuesday’s 9-3 win.
After a quiet opening frame and a half, the Bandits (17-20) struck for five runs on five hits and a walk in the bottom of the second.
“It was awesome and it changed the pace of the game and gave us the spark we needed,” winning pitcher Sara Moulton said. “It makes my job a lot easier as a pitcher.”
Second baseman Amanda Kamekona (2-for-4, R) and center fielder Sammy Marshall (1-for-4, R) singled and catcher Kellsi Kloss (0-for-2, R, BB) drew a walk to load the bases with two outs in the frame. Shortstop Jill Barrett (2-for-3, 2 R, RBI, BB) sent a ball up the middle to single and drive in the game’s first run.
Moulton (W, 5-2) said Kamekona, who recorded her first hit in a Bandits uniform after signing with the team on Monday, brings a veteran presence to the clubhouse.
“She came right in and she had a lot of energy, “Moulton said. “She wasn’t shy at all and we needed a spark like that. She’s going to make an impact in our lineup.”
The big play came off of designated player Taylor Edwards’ (2-for-4, 2 2B, 4 RBI) bat one batter later when she drove a 1-1 pitch over the head of the Rebellion (13-24) center fielder, clearing the bases and extending the lead to 4-0. Third baseman Megan Blank (2-for-3, RBI, BB) didn’t wait long to bring in Edwards, driving her in three pitches later with an RBI-single.
“Everyone has had ups and downs this year, but I think [Edwards] is starting to peak at the right time down the stretch,” Moulton said.
The four-RBI game was Edwards’ highest single-game total since driving in five on June 12. She now has six multi-RBI games this season, leading the team.
Moulton kept the Rebellion offense quiet, allowing three runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings of work. She finished the game with two strikeouts and one walk.
“I was just trying to go right at them,” Moulton said. “It’s the approach I’ve been going with against every team this year. I know the plays are going to be made behind me.”
The Bandits threatened to strike again in the third after a leadoff triple from left fielder Danielle Zymkowitz (2-for-4, 3B, RBI, R), but Rebellion starter Dallas Escobedo (L, 2-6) would get out of the jam, even after a walk from right fielder Tatum Edwards (0-for-2, BB) put runners on the corners with one away.
Escobedo was pulled in favor of Emma Johnson going into the bottom of the fourth inning. She finished the game with five runs against on six hits, three walks and four strikeouts in three innings pitched.
The Bandits again threatened to add to the lead in the fourth but this time, left the bases loaded.
The Rebellion got three runs back in the top of the fifth, starting with an RBI-single from center fielder Victoria Hayward (1-for-4, RBI, R). The single marked the end of Moulton’s night, making way for Michelle Gascoigne (SV, 4) to close out the final 2.2 innings in the circle.
Gascoigne came in with one out and runners on first and third. After Hayward’s RBI, left fielder Lindsey Stephens (1-for-2, RBI, SF) drove in another run with a sacrifice fly and first baseman Alisa Goler (1-for-3, RBI) added an RBI-single. Gascoigne finished the game with no runs allowed on two strikeouts and one hit against in 2.2 innings of work.
The Bandits tacked on four more runs in the sixth inning thanks to five hits and a walk. One of the four singles in the inning was from pinch hitter Alaynie Page (1-for-1, RBI), the first hit of her professional career.
“We gave (Page) the game ball that she got the hit with, which is awesome as a rookie because you dream of that moment your whole life and she finally got it,” Moulton said. “She’s pumped and was so excited.”
The Bandits begin a five-game road trip with three games against the Akron Racers and two against the Rebellion. First pitch of the road trip is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. on Wednesday at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio. All five games can be seen on NPFTV.
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.
