ROSEMONT, IL (June 4, 2016) – The Chicago Bandits broke a 2-2 tie wide open in the fifth inning with four runs, giving starting pitcher Lacey Waldrop (W, 1-0, CG) all the support she would need.
The Bandits opened the fifth with back-to-back singles from right fielder Sammy Marshall and shortstop Jill Barrett (3-for-4, R). Left fielder Emily Allard (2-for-3, 2 R, 1 RBI) drove in Marshall with a one-out single and third baseman Natalie Hernandez followed by reaching on an error on an errant throw, allowing Barrett to score.
“It was really important that we answered back,” Barrett said. “Each time so far in the season [the Dawgs have] scored on us, we have answered back.”
That wasn’t all for the Bandits though as Allard would later race home on a wild pitch and Hernandez scored thanks to designated player Tatum Edwards’ double to right-center. The Edwards double was the Bandits’ first extra-base hit of the season.
The four-run outburst immediately followed the Dawgs’ two-run fifth inning, which temporarily tied the game at two. Waldrop carried a no-hitter through 4.1 innings before center fielder Breja’e Washington and first baseman Amanda Fama hit back-to-back singles and later came around to score in the fifth.
“Our pitchers have been outstanding,” Barrett said. “Lacey was just pitching lights out tonight.”
The Bandits opened the scoring with two runs in the first inning thanks to a throwing error. Dawgs’ first baseman Amanda Fama overthrew the shortstop while trying to catch second baseman Danielle Zymkowitz off the bag. The throw would wind up at the left-center field fence as Zymkowitz and Allard, the batter, came around to score.
The victory secured the Bandits first series win of the season, but Barrett said they want more.
“At home, we always want to sweep the series and we’re on the way to doing that and I couldn’t be happier,” Barrett said.
The Bandits try for the sweep of the Dawgs on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 7:35 p.m.
Tickets for Saturday’s game and 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.
