Hanover, MD – June 3, 2014 – For the second time in their inaugural opening four-game set against the USSSA Pride, the Pennsylvania Rebellion, presented by The Coury Financial Group, fell victim to Cat Osterman as they lost a 1-0 nail biter Tuesday at Joe Cannon Stadium. The Pride, who won last year’s NPF Championship, and the Rebellion split the four game series in their Maryland showcase and will continue to play four more at the newest franchise’s home, CONSOL Energy Park, from Thursday through Sunday.
Rebellion rookie Anna Miller, the organization’s 16th pick in the fourth round of the 2014 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft, earned the starting nod for Pennsylvania. She tossed 3 1/3 innings, allowing just one run off four hits and struck out three Pride players. Dallas Escobedo relieved Miller in her first professional relief appearance. Escobedo impressed in the circle yet again as the former first overall pick pitched the remainder of the game shutting down the Pride’s offense, not allowing a hit or run.
Osterman captured her second win of the series for the Pride as the former NPF Pitcher of the Year threw her first complete game shutout of the 2014 season.
Although the Rebellion was unable to produce a run, they had plenty of opportunities against Osterman. University of Texas at Austin graduate Mandy Ogle picked up her first professional hit, a single in the third inning. Lauren Lappin was also 2-3 on the contest with two singles and is currently batting .357.
The Pride were able to squeeze by the only run of the game in the bottom of the second inning when Osterman’s batterymate Megan Willis singled in the game-winning run. USSSA threatened again in the bottom of the fourth inning, loading the bases with one out but Escobedo closed the door as she got the offense to hit back-to-back popups.
Defensively, the Rebellion continued to look sharp in the field as Ogle threw out last year’s stolen base leader, Caitlin Lowe. Another rookie, Ashley Carter made her case for Sportscenter’s Top Ten as the outfielder made a spectacular catch at the wall to rob the Pride of a homerun in the sixth inning.
For the official box score visit: https://gc.com/game-530288486f375d50323e161a/stats.
The Rebellion return home Thursday, June 5th for their inaugural season home opener at CONSOL Energy Park against the USSSA Pride. First Pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and all fans in attendance will receive a Rebellion rally towel, sponsored by JEM Promotional Marketing. For tickets and/or group packages, contact the PA Rebellion ticketing office at 724.250.7412.
– See more at: http://profastpitch.com/news/?article_id=2156#sthash.HaL99uyz.dpuf
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!