WPF Opening Day USSSA Pride vs. Texas Smoke
June 15, 2023
The USSSA Pride opened the 2023 season on the road with a three game series in Austin, Texas against the Texas Smoke, who are in their first season in the WPF (Women’s Professional Fastpitch League). The Pride started off hot in the top of the first with an infield single by Kayla Kowalik followed by a homerun by Ali Aguilar, getting the Pride to an early 2-0 lead. Abbey Cheek followed up with a single and a walk for Jordan Rudd.
Hope Trautwein was the starting pitcher of the season for the Pride. Trautwein had an impressive performance throwing 4 innings for the Pride, allowing only 3 hits and 1 run and striking out 3 in her debut of the 2023 season. Also making appearances for USSSA in the circle were Taran Alvelo, 1.2 innings, 1 hit and 1 walk, followed by Taylor Roby, giving up 2 hits and 2 walks in her inning of work.
The Pride continued to battle at the plate, adding a double by Kowalik and a single for Kayla Wedl, but in the end came up short in the 3-2 loss. USSSA is back in action tonight, June 16 for game two of the series with a 6:30 CST start time.