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The Akron Racers were up against the USSSA Pride. This was a rematch from the night before where the Pride, who are ranked number one in the league, lost to the Racers, the number four-ranked team. That was an intense game (read about it HERE). In the post-game press conference after their first match-up, the Pride said it was the kick in the butt they needed going into the rest of the series. Even with that kick in the butt, the Racers played tough on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Pride.

Early on the Racers took the lead. In the first inning Marder hit a home run with Montalvo on base. Then, Castillo hit a home run bringing the score to 5-0. Things started to pick up for the Pride in the third inning. With the bases loaded, Mendoza shot one out of the park. The grand slam brought the score to 5-4 with Akron still in the lead.

In the fourth, Montalvo sent Trimboli home, bringing the score to 6-4. It was this inning the USSSA Pride showed their drive to win. They stepped up their defense, catching several tough hits in the field. On offense, they brought their bats too. The Pride seemed to be able to keep the gap close all the way into the seventh. It was then that they decided to finish it. With two runners on base Mendoza sent one flying, her second home run of the game. This brought the score to 9-7 in the Pride’s favor.

Lisa Norris was very emotional in the post-game press conference. Here’s what she had to say about Mendoza’s winning hit.

The Pride returned for the evening game against the Chicago Bandits. With the game hosting the best pitcher in the league, Abbott and the best hitter in the league, Mendoza, the both teams were on high alert. Each stepped up defense, which resulted in a low scoring game.

Abbott was consistent as always. She gave up four hits and only four walks. She kept Mendoza from hitting anything out of the park. However, she couldn’t keep Doepking from doing it. Doepking’s home run in the third brought in Amanda Williams, setting the score at 2-0 early. It wasn't until the seventh inning that the Pride got on the board. At the bottom of the inning, Lauren Lappin hit one past the left field field wall.

The game ended with the Bandits the victor, 2-1. Read more about this game HERE.

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