McKinney, TX – August 10, 2015 – The Dallas Charge could not hold on to a 3-0 lead on Tuesday night in McKinney. The Chicago Bandits scored four in the final two frames to win the regular season finale 4-3. Vanessa Stokes, who relieved Charge starter Morgan Melloh took the loss. Michelle Gascoigne went six innings, allowed three runs on three hits and got the win. Monica Abbott, who came in to close out the game in the seventh earned the save. The Charge finished their inaugural season in fourth place at 17-31. The Bandits were second with a 31-17 record.
In the home half of the third inning Kaitlyn Richardson hit her second home run in as many days. The two-run blast cleared the score board in right field and gave the Charge a 2-0 lead.
In the next inning, Nadia Taylor bounced the ball off the left center light pole for her fifth home run of the season extending the lead to three.
In the top of the sixth, the wheels began to come off for the Charge. A one-out double and fielding error posted Megan Blank a third. Tammy Williams walked and Emily Allard struck out. Kailee Cuico walked to load the bases and Brenna Moss’ free pass scored Blank, making the score 3-1. The walked to Moss signaled the end of the night for Melloh. Stokes came in and coaxed a fly ball out of Brittany Cervantes to temporarily stem the tide.
The Bandits would make the most of their last at bat plating three and taking the lead. A one-out walk to Taylor Edwards would start the drama. Natalie Hernandez singled and then Blank singled to right center. The ball was misplayed in right and two runs scored tying the game at three.
Jolene Henderson relieved Stokes. Her first pitch went to the backstop, scoring Blank with the go ahead run.
The Bandits brought in Abbott, who closed the door and sealed the victory.
The Charge will travel to Hoover, AL to take on the Pride in the semi-finals of the NPF Championship Series. First pitch is 8pm.
Box Score
LOCATION: The Ballfields at Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX
Game 1 SCORE: Bandits 4, Charge 3
RECORDS: Bandits (31-17), Charge (17-31)