Rosemont, IL - (June 9, 2016) – The Chicago Bandits (4-1) offense lit up the scoreboard on Thursday night in a 10-2 win against the Dallas Charge (2-2).
The Bandits opened scoring with an RBI-single from catcher Brittany Cervantes (2-for-4, 2 RBI). It was her first RBI and first hit of the 2016 season, following her return from her season overseas in Japan. The single scored left fielder Emily Allard (3-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI), who singled one batter earlier and stole second on the second pitch of Cervantes’ at-bat.
Scoring continued as the Bandits put up three more runs in the second inning, due to an error by Charge catcher Vicky Galasso. The former Bandit made a diving catch on a failed sacrifice bunt but overthrew second base trying to turn a double play. The ball rolled to the fence, allowing two runs to score. Allard then drove in the third run of the inning with an RBI-single.
Along with the offensive explosion from the Bandits, the pitching from starter Lacey Waldrop (W, 2-0) set the tone for the game.
Waldrop pitched six innings and allowed two runs – one earned – on seven hits and four walks while striking out four to earn her second consecutive win to begin the season.
The Charge answered back in the top of the third with a run of their own to cut the deficit to three, but the Bandits expanded the lead again in their half of the inning.
Six more runs came across for the Bandits in the bottom of the third as they batted around the order. Center fielder Brenna Moss (0-for-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB) came up with the bases loaded and grounded a harmless fielder’s choice to third, but the throw home was bobbled, allowing another run to cross the plate. Charge starting pitcher Andi Williamson got the next two outs, but Bandits shortstop Jill Barrett (2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI) drove in two more runs with a double to the left-center gap and Allard tacked on another to extend the lead further.
The Charge went to the bullpen after five runs had scored in the third, and Jill Compton entered the ballgame only to allow an RBI-single to Cervantes. Andi Williamson, who started for the Charge took the loss (0-2).
The visitors added another run in the fourth as a sacrifice bunt by center fielder Taylor Gadbois was overthrown at first, allowing left fielder Chelsea Forkin to score from second. Forkin led off the inning with a single.
The Bandits and Charge play the rubber match tomorrow night with first pitch set for 7:35 p.m.
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
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