NPF: Akron Racers fall to Chicago Bandits 7-3; Drop home opener

Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!

Photo credit: Ohio.com

AKRON, OH – June 27, 2013 – The Akron Racers were unable to keep their streak of five wins in a row alive as they lost to the Chicago Bandits, 7-3, in their home opener. The Racers started off strong scoring all of their runs in the second inning and holding the Bandits scoreless until the top of the third inning. The Bandits, however, held the Racers scoreless for the remainder of the game to pick up the 7-3 decision. 

Brittany Mack started in the circle for the Racers and went five innings. She finished the game with eight hits, five runs, two walks, and one strikeout. She had a solid start in the first three innings giving up two hits in the first inning and retiring all three batters in the second. After the second inning, though, things began to fall apart for the Racers. Mack gave up a two-run homerun to Alisa Goler in the top of the third inning and that seemed to give the Bandits the spark they needed to get back into the ballgame. Then in the fourth inning, Nerissa Myers, scored on a sac-fly hit by Vicky Galindo. Chicago seemed to save their best for the sixth inning when they scored three to take complete control of the game. Nerissa Myers led the inning off with a double. After, Amber Patton singled and moved Myers to third, that was it for Mack.

Racers rookies were given the job of damage control. Ivy Renfroe came in for Mack with two on base and no outs. Myers promptly scored on a past ball and Amber Patton came home to score on a hit by Kimi Pohlman. After Renfroe got the first two outs, it was Rachele Fico’s turn to help the Racers from the circle. She was able to get the last out and then returned for the seventh inning. Fico sat down the first two batters she faced, but Tammy Williams belted a long home run into right field to increase the Bandits lead to 7-3.

Aja Paculba smacked a one out double in the seventh hoping to give the Racers a little more hope. Brigette Del Ponte flew out and Ayumi Karino struck out to end the seventh. Michelle Gascoigne tossed the complete game win for the Bandits.

The Racers hope to rebound in tomorrow’s game, the second in a four game series against the Bandits. Saturday will feature a double-header with both games broadcast live on ESPN2.

SITE: Firestone Stadium

SCORE: Bandits 7 Racers 3

RECORDS: Racers (6-7), Bandits (10-3)

NEXT RACERS GAME: Friday, June 28 @ 7:05 p.m. vs. Chicago Bandits

BOXSCORE: http://npf.bbstats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=142103

About the Akron Racers:

The Akron Racers, headquartered in Akron, OH, are the oldest existing team in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. The Racers competed in the Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL) for two seasons in 1999 and 2000 and in the NPF since 2004. Historic Firestone Stadium is home to the Racers and numerous amateur events at all levels of play. The Racers kick off their 11th season of play in 2012. 

About National Pro Fastpitch:

National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.

Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!

• Softball
• Sports
• National Pro Fastpitch

This post is related to an ongoing story:

• 2013 National Pro Fastpitch

This article was written by a WomenTalkSports.com contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own women's sports content.

View anngaff's Full Profile