Elgin - Even rain couldn’t interrupt the Diamonds from storming to a 7-4 victory over the Chicago Bandits.

The Diamonds exploded for three consecutive hits in the top of the fourth inning, including a two-run home run by DeDe Justice to jump out 4-0 on the Chicago Bandits. Justice’s home run was one of four for the Diamonds on the night.

The Diamonds entered the inning up 2-0 after clinching an early lead with Megan Gibson’s solo shot to left field in the top of the second. On only the second pitch of her at bat, Gibson crushed a ball into deep left field, giving the Diamonds their first score of the game.

Bandits’ starting pitcher, Jennie Finch, performed well, retiring four batters before being replaced by Jessica Sallinger in the fourth inning. Sallinger came in and pitched the Bandits out of a jam. 

The Bandits tried to even the score tonight after falling 2-4 to the Diamonds last night, but just weren’t able to get on the board. Diamonds pitcher Rebecca Heteniak kept the Bandits bats silent, holding them to just five hits.

The Bandits best chance didn’t come until the bottom of the seventh inning. Nicole Pauly bashed her first pitch to deep center field for a two run home run, putting the Bandits within spitting distance of the Diamonds at 7-4.

However, it was too late and the homer wasn’t enough as the Diamonds snatched their second consecutive win over Chicago.

 The Bandits, who currently lead the NPF with a record of 28-19, will face the Diamonds again in a double header tomorrow at Judson University with the first game kicking off at 2:05pm and the second game beginning at 7:05pm.  

Notes: Give-A-Glove will be hosting glove donations all weekend long at the Chicago Bandits games. Bring an old or used glove to be donated to kids in need across the globe. Bandits second baseman Emily Friedman heads up the Give-A-Glove drive and hopes to get 3,000 gloves by the end of the season from all teams across the League.