AKRON, OH – The USSSA Pride wasted little time against the Akron Racers Thursday, scoring early against starting pitcher Ivy Renfroe.
The Racers’ rookie surrendered 11 hits through her seven innings of work, while the Pride’s counterpart Cat Osterman fanned double-digit batters for the eighth time this season.
The Pride jumped out to an early lead in the 6-4 victory, scoring five runs off eight hits in the first two innings. Despite the early advantage, Renfroe and the Racers didn’t lay down. The rookie silenced Florida the next four innings, and the Racers rallied back to make it a two-run game.
Charlotte Morgan struck first for the Racers, as her RBI double brought home Taylor Schlopy in the third inning. Akron found themselves in scoring position again in the fourth with bases loaded and just one out. However, the Racers were unable to capitalize as Dara Toman and Schlopy struck out to end inning.
Morgan got things started again for the Racers in the next inning, as her lead-off shot slipped past Jenn Salling at short. Kaylyn Castillo drew a walk in the next at-bat, then Hesson’s double to left field put the Racers back within striking distance.
Renfroe and Osterman held both teams scoreless in the sixth inning, but Francesca Enea pushed the lead further out of the Racers’ reach in the top of the seventh. Enea stepped in to pinch hit for Kristyn Sandberg and sent Renfroe’s first offering flying over the left field fence.
Akron is now 6-10 on the season, but will try to bounce back against the Pride tomorrow. The Racers and Pride will take game two of the series to a neutral site in an attempt further expand the fan base of the National Pro Fastpitch League. The game is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. at the Lucas County Rec Center in Maumee, OH.
About USSSA Florida Pride:
The USSSA Florida Pride is a professional franchise in the National Pro Fastpitch League that is owned and operated by USSSA. The amateur organization of USSSA has multi-sport coverage and encompasses teams and players from the United States and abroad.
About NPF:
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.
About USSSA:
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World’s Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!