ROSEMONT, Ill. (June 13, 2019) – After a hot 5-0 start, the Chicago Bandits took their first two losses of the season, falling 8-0 to the USSSA Pride following the continuation of Wednesday night’s rain-suspended game, as well as their originally scheduled game 6-1.
Wednesday’s game ended Thursday due to a run rule with the Pride besting the Bandits 8-0. Bandits RHP Aleshia Ocasio took the circle to start the game but after earning two runs was pulled after two innings and replaced by Savannah Heebner.
Pride rookie pitcher Taran Alvelo soundly started the Pride out, going three up, three down to shut down the Bandits offensive efforts.
Alvelo’s shutout held through the suspended game with help from Jailyn Ford and Megan Good, earning Alvelo her second win of her rookie campaign.
The Bandits found themselves behind at the top of the first of tonight’s originally scheduled game following hits from Lorenz and Warren. They got a hit of their own back when Hannah Flippen singled to left field but left her stranded on first when Amanda Chidester grounded out to Pride 3B Jessie Warren who forced the out at first.
Top of the second brought two more runs in for USSSA while the Bandits went down in order and remained scoreless. Starting pitcher Rachele Fico came back for the top of the third to retire the side and keep the deficit 3-0.
The Bandits finally got on the board in the fourth inning. Bandits outfielder Brenna Moss singled to get on base and was brought home by a double from Amanda Chidester.
The end of the fourth brought the end of Fico’s outing in the circle, pitching a line of 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER. Tonight’s loss brings her to a 1-1 on the young season.
Rookie pitcher Kelly Barnhill came in to relieve Fico and pitched a scoreless fifth inning. Her outings for the sixth and seventh didn’t fare the same – she gave up two homeruns to increase the Pride’s lead to 6-1.
The Bandits (5-2) return to Parkway Bank Sports Complex tomorrow afternoon to take on Team USA.
EXTRA INNINGS
— Attendance: 522
—Player of the Game – Conclusion of 6/13, Taran Alvelo. 6/14, Amanda Lorenz.
ABOUT CHICAGO BANDITS
Since 2005, the Chicago Bandits have been members of the National Pro Fastpitch league. Entering their 14th season as a franchise, the Bandits have provided the Chicago area with highlevel softball talent and entertainment en route to capturing six regular season titles and four Cowles Cup championships, the most recent coming during the 2016 campaign. Located in Rosemont, the Bandits play at Parkway Bank Sports Complex, one of the premier softball facilities in the nation. Parkway Bank Sports Complex is the only stadium in the country built exclusively for a women’s professional softball team. The Bandits provide an opportunity forfemale fastpitch softball players to further their careers at the professional level and has included legendary figures such as Jennie Finch, Tammy Williams and Stacy May-Johnson
About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2004, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in fastpitch softball beyond their collegiate and amateur success. The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Aussie Peppers of Minnesota, Beijing Shougang Eagles, Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois, Chicago Bandits, Cleveland Comets, and USSSA Pride. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada, China, and Mexico, and represent the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.