ROCKFORD, Ill. – Two nights and two wins for the Rockford Thunder. This time they defeated the Chicago by a final score of 5-4 on Wednesday night to take game two of the series with the Bandits.

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A night after watching Cat Osterman and Jennie Finch dominate the game in the circle, the offenses for both team’s came to life. The Bandits touched up Rockford pitchers for five hits in the contest, one off of starting pitcher Amanda Freed and the other four off rookie reliever Abbie Sims.

Rockford picked up seven hits on the night, including the big blow by catcher Mackenzie Vandergeest. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning and the team trailing 3-1, Vandergeest launched a 3-2 pitch to deep left centerfield for her first home run in a Thunder uniform, giving Rockford a 5-3 lead. Vandergeest finished the game 2-for-3 on the night to raise her season average to .429.

Chicago made it close in the top of the 7th inning by scoring a run and leaving two others on base. Nicole Trimboli drove in two of Chicago’s four runs on the night, as she was 2-for-2 in the game.

Freed started in the circle for the Thunder pitching the first four innings of the game. The gold medal-winning pitcher allowed just the one hit, but walked six in her season debut. Sims came in to pitch the final three innings of the game and recorded the first win of her big league career.

Thunder centerfielder Kristen Zaleski looks to be in midseason form already, as she was 1-for-2 on the night, with two runs scored and three stolen bases. She is also hitting .429 on the season with a team-best five stolen bases.

Rockford and Chicago will meet for game three of the four game series on Thursday night. Serena Settlemier is expected to start in the circle for Rockford, while Peaches James will more than likely throw for the Bandits. Game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Thursday is Ladies Night at Sportscore One and all ladies in attendance will receive a voucher good for a future home game. Date determined in advance by the Thunder.

For more information on the Thunder or to purchase season or individual tickets for the 2007 season, contact Aaron M. Moore at (815) 965-7000 or amoore@thunderprofastpitch.com. For additional information on the team, visit them on the web at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.

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