The Woodlands, TX - (June 18, 2016) – Team USA used two home runs, one a grand slam in the top of the seventh, to get by the Dallas Charge in the last of a three game exhibition series. Team USA won game three 7-5.
Lauren Haeger got the start in the circle for the Charge. Team USA countered with Cheridan Hawkins, though they would use four different pitchers in the contest. Hawkins was the 29th overall pick in the 2016 NPF draft and will join the Charge on Monday.
The Charge got on the board first. Kaitlyn Richardson hit a solo homer to right centerfield making the score 1-0.
Team USA answered back in both the third and fourth innings with single runs to take the lead 2-1. Delaney Spaulding hit a solo shot in the fourth for Team USA.
Down a run, the Charge answered in the bottom half of the fourth facing Kelly Barnhill who had replaced Hawkins. Dallas scored four, the big blow coming on a two-run home run to right field off the bat of first baseman Kaitlyn Richardson. Headed into the fifth the Charge held a 5-2 lead.
Haeger gave way to Morgan Melloh in the top half of the fifth inning. Team USA got one of the runs back on two walks, a hit and a hit batter. The gap closed to 5-3.
The Charge took a two run lead into the top of the seventh, which started well for Dallas. Melloh quickly retired the first two batters she faced. Then she hit two and walk a batter to load the bases. Michelle Moultrie then deposited a 1-1 pitch over the right field fence for a grand slam and a 7-5 lead for Team USA.
The Charge took the loss despite out hitting Team USA nine to six. The difference in the game was 11 free bases issued by Charge pitching including seven walks and four hit batters. In contrast Team USA walked just three.
Haeger did fan eight in just four innings of work. Melloh struck out three.
The Charge will be in action again on Sunday at 1pm and 4pm when they take on the Scrap Yard Dawgs in The Woodlands. One Monday Dallas will return home to start a two game set against the Akron Racers.
Team USA 7 Charge 5 Box Score 6-18-16
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.
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