Rosemont, IL - (June 8, 2016) – Coming off the most lopsided loss in club history, the Dallas Charge bounced back to take game one of a three game set on the road against the Chicago Bandits 4-2. The Bandits were undefeated at 3-0 going into the contest. Lauren Haeger got her first win in the circle of 2016 as she went the distance, allowing no earned runs on four hits. She fanned five and walked six in an efficient 118 pitch outing. Haeger was also two for four at the plate. She lowered her early season ERA to 1.27.
Kylee Lahners continued to deliver, going two for three and driving in all four of the Charge runs with a two-run double in the fourth inning and a two-run homer in the sixth frame. The long ball was Lahners second of the season.
Up 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth a hit and walked followed by an infield miscue by the Charge allowed one run to score. With a runner at three, a one out ground ball to second brought home the tying run for the Bandits.
Lahners responded quickly in the top half of the sixth, with a bomb over the left centerfield fence that drove in Brianna Cherry, who had reached via the walk. Haeger would make the two run lead stand up.
Rookie Taylor Gadbois made her NPF debut going one for three with a sacrifice bunt. Cherry reached base three times. She walked twice and singled.
Michelle Gascoigne took the loss for the Bandits tossing a complete game. She walked four and struck out five.
Dallas improved to 2-1 on the season. Chicago fell to 3-1. The two face off again tomorrow at 7:05pm at Rosemont Stadium.
Charge 6-8 Box Score
About Dallas Charge
The Dallas Charge, headquartered in McKinney, TX, began competition in the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2015. The Charge provide elite softball players the opportunity to pursue a professional career and inspire the next generation of professionals. Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the Charge organization and its players are committed to demonstrating leadership in community involvement, entertainment, and professionalism. Follow the Dallas Charge at www.dallascharge.com
About National Pro Fastpitch:
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2002, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in diamond sports beyond their collegiate success. The 2016 NPF season will be televised on CBS Sports Network. Coverage includes the NPF College Draft presented by Bownet on Thur., April 14, followed by 23 regular-season games, a Championship Series Preview Special and the 2016 NPF Championship Series. The NPF recently announced that the Scrap Yard Dawgs, located in The Woodlands, Texas, will join the Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Dallas Charge, Pennsylvania Rebellion and USSSA Florida Pride for the 2016 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and New Zealand, representing the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.
Note to Media
Photos and b-roll of players is available. Interviews with the league commissioner are welcomed, and top players from each team are accessible immediately. If you’re interested in pursuing story angles about professional softball for women, please don’t hesitate to contact us.