For box scores go to http://www.pointstreak.com/baseball/boxscoretext.html?gameid=19179.

Photo of Stacy May by Dina Kwit

Racers sneak up on Bandits in extra innings

Written by Blair Stenzel

It was a nail biter tonight between the Chicago Bandits (10-8) and Akron Racers (12-6), but the Racers roared ahead with a two run homer in the ninth inning by Micaela Minner that put the Racers up 5-3 for the win.

The Bandits started off strong with a solo home run by Rachel Folden in the first inning. Two other home runs blasted out by Samantha Findlay in the fourth and sixth innings would be the only runs the Bandits scored.

Hitting was held to a minimum by outstanding pitching from both the Bandits’ and Racers’ bullpens.

Until the seventh inning it was a pitchers’ duel, with Bandits’ pitcher Eileen Canney giving up only one unearned run on a wild pitch and just three hits for the night.

Racers’ pitcher, Lisa Norris, brings her undefeated record to 7-0 for the season, giving up three runs for the night. She was dominant in the circle going into extra innings, allowing no hits in the eighth and ninth innings.

The Bandits had a 3-1 lead heading into the seventh, but couldn’t hold the lead. Canney (0-1), who started in the circle, was relieved by Jessica Sallinger (2-1) after the Racers put two runners on base with a single and a walk.

An error by Sallinger and a hit to second tied up the game for the Racers, bringing it into extra innings.

The win brings the Bandits record to 10-8, reassuring Akron their number one in the NPF standings at 12-6.

The Bandits look to win game two tomorrow at a home away from home at Silver Cross Field in Joliet, IL. The game will start at 7:05. For more information about how to get tickets call 877-7BANDIT.