ROSEMONT, Ill.—The USSSA Pride returned to Rosemont for their second series against the Bandits this season. The Bandits took the first series three games to one and continued their hot streak Thursday night.
Nikki Nemitz earned the win for the Bandits, pitching an impressive seven innings while only allowing two runs. The Pride put the first tally on the scoreboard in the top of the first when Ashley Charters hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Natasha Watley. The Bandits tied the game in the bottom half of the inning after Alisa Goler singled to right, advancing Megan Wiggins, who later scored on a passed ball.
Andrea Duran scored for the Pride in the top of the second off a Megan Willis sacrifice fly. However, the Bandits were able to register a run for themselves and tie the game in the bottom of the second after Amanda Williams singled up the middle, advanced to second off Whitney Larsen’s bunt, and scored off a throwing error.
In the bottom of the third, Kristen Butler continued her hot hitting streak and smashed her fifth homerun of the year, giving the Bandits a 3-2 lead. The Bandits were able to secure another run in the fourth after Vicky Galindo hit a triple and scored off an Amber Patton groundout.
The Bandits tallied two more runs in the bottom of the sixth after Megan Wiggins double scored Vicky Galindo who reached on an error. Goler collected another RBI after hitting a floater over the shortstop, scoring Wiggins. With bases loaded, Tammy Williams continued the rally hitting a sac fly to center scoring Amber Patton making the game 8-2 going into the top of the seventh.
Nikki Nemitz continued to hold the Pride scoreless and the Bandits closed out the game earning an 8-2 victory.
The Bandits and Pride return to action again tomorrow night at The Ballpark at Rosemont with the first pitch set for 7:35.
NOTES:
– Attendance for tonight’s game was 1,112
– With a record of 10-3, the Bandits are in sole possession of first place in the NPF
STATS:
Nikki Nemitz (CHI): 7.0IP, 5H, 2R, 4K, 1BB
Danielle Lawrie (USSSA): 5.0 IP, 10H, 8R, 3K, 2BB
Sarah Pauly (USSSA): 1.0 IP, 0H, 0R, 1K, 0BB
Kristen Butler (CHI): 2-3, HR
Vicky Galindo (CHI): 1-1, 3B
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!