AKRON, Ohio The Akron Racers capitalized on a pair of Thunder errors, relied on solid defense and impressive pitching to defeat the Rockford Thunder, 1-0 at Firestone Stadium this afternoon.
Racers rookie Lisa Norris picked up the win for Akron, throwing all seven innings and allowing just two hits while recording eight strikeouts in her first NPF playoff outing.
Cat Osterman took the tough luck loss after surrendering three hits, four walks and notched 11 strikeouts.
The Racers wasted little time, picking up the lone run of the contest in the bottom of the first. A pair of errors on third baseman Jenae Leles enabled Crystl Bustos and Jenny Topping to reach first and second respectively. With two away, Katie Cochran delivered a clutch single through the right side to plate Bustos from second for the go ahead run.
In the top of the sixth, the Thunder threatened when Norris opened the frame issuing walks to Laurie Wagner and Chelsea Spencer. However, the hurler settled in, retiring the next batter with a pop-up, inducing a fielders choice and firing a strikeout to retire the side without damage.
Lyndsey Angus attempted to get things going for the Thunder atop the seventh, driving a two-out single over the head of Racers third baseman Jackie Pasquerella but Norris would retire the next batter on strikes to record the win.
Lisa Modglin led the Racers offense with a 2-for-3 day at the plate and also picked up a pair of stolen bases on the day.
Akron and Rockford faceoff in the second game of the best of three series this evening at approximately 8:45 pm (EST). Tickets are available by calling the Akron Racers Box Office at 330-376-8188 or online at ticketreturn.com. Fans who can't come to Akron can WATCH LIVE through NPF's partnership with MLB.com.
Friday, August 21st: Gates open at 3:00 pm for the evening session
Playoff Game #1 - 10:00 am: Bandits 1 vs. Pride 0
Playoff Game #2 - approx. 12:45 pm: Racers 1 vs. Thunder 0
Playoff Game #3 - 6:00 pm: Chicago Bandits vs. USSSA Pride (Home Team)
Playoff game #4 - approx. 8:45 pm: Akron Racers vs. Rockford Thunder
Ticket Prices for Friday:
- Stadium Seating: $13 for morning or evening session (includes 2 games/session)
- Cambria Suites Bleachers/Terrace Seating: $14 for morning or evening session (includes 2 games/session)
- VIP Seating: $15 for morning or evening session (includes 2 games/session)
Saturday, August 22nd:
Playoff Game #5 - 1 pm: tie-breaker between the #1 and #4 seeds (if necessary)
Playoff Game #6 - approx. 4 pm: tie-breaker between the #2 and #3 seeds (if necessary)
Tickets for ‘if necessary’ games will not go on sale until SATURDAY morning at 9:00 am with gates opening at 10:00 am.and will be priced accordingly:
$7/$13 - Stadium Seating/Cambria Suites Bleachers/Terrace Seating (one game/two games)
$8/$14 - VIP Seating (one game/two games)
Championship Game #1 - approx. 7:00 pm
Sunday, August 23rd: Gates will open at 9:00 am
Championship Game #2 - 1 pm
(FINALS) - 4:00 pm (TIE-BREAKER if necessary)
Tickets for the Championship games will be priced as follows for EACH game:
$8 - Stadium Seating/Cambria Suites Bleachers/Terrace Seating
$9 - VIP Seating
A post-game trophy and championship MVP Award Presentation will follow upon conclusion of the championship game with the Cowles Cup being presented to the 2009 NPF Champion.
How to Watch
Fans unavailable to make the trip to Akron, Ohio to catch the Championship Series in person can tune in from home. All games will be streamed via profastpitch.com thanks to NPF’s partnership with MLB.com. Bernie Guenther will handle the play-by-play action. Live statistics will also be available via Gametracker. Go to the “Live-Games” page for Broadcast and Gametracker links and WATCH LIVE!
TICKETS
To purchase tickets, call the Akron Racers Box Office at 330-376-8188 or go Ticket Return.com. 
