Bandits blast off, sweep Racers in three-game series
The Bandits (19-10) completed the three-game sweep of the Akron Racers (15-13) in Bellevue, Neb. at the Hall of Fame Fields with an 8-2 win behind another strong performance by Bandits pitcher, Kristina Thorson and first baseman, Samantha Findlay.
Thorson (8-2) threw her way to the win with six innings of work, striking out three, walking one, and allowing two earned runs. Akron Racers pitcher, Brittany Weil (0-1) took tonight’s loss allowing eight earned runs and ten hits in six innings of work, striking out two and walking three in the process.
The long ball was the offensive source yet again for the Chicago Bandits, who hit four home runs in an eight-run effort. Chicago Bandits first baseman, Samantha Findlay hit her league-leading ninth home run of the campaign and put up 3 RBI’s total on the night, continuing her dominance in the hitter’s box after last night’s walk-off home run in extra innings.
The Bandits also saw home runs from Emily Friedman, Nicole Pauly, and Angela Findlay. Friedman and Angela Findlay’s home runs were their third of the campaign and Pauly’s was her first career home run in the National Pro Fastpitch.
With the loss, the Akron Racers drop to three and a half games below the league-leading Chicago Bandits and a half game behind the second place USSSA Pride who won their home series opener against the Tennessee Diamonds tonight 5-4. The Racers look to bounce back against the Chicago Bandits on Saturday at Firestone Stadium as they begin a three-game home series in Akron, Ohio.
The Chicago Bandits will take to the road until they resume NPF play at Judson University August 19th-22nd in their home series finale for the 2010 campaign. This series will mark the final home games of Chicago Bandits superstar pitcher, Jennie Finch who announced her plans for retirement from professional softball Tuesday morning.
For tickets to Jennie Finch’s final home series, call 877-7BANDIT. Ticket are going fast!
