Pride Rally in Fifth to Take Series over Bandits
Published on July 17, 2012 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
USSSA Pride News Release
Despite a rocky start, the USSSA Pride finished Monday's game at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee in an explosive fashion, defeating the Chicago Bandits 13-6. The Pride (13-10) scored 11 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning in another impressive offensive showing following Sunday's 17-2 win.
Pride rookie pitcher Brittany Mack (3-3) allowed four runs in the first inning, when Bandits catcher Kristen Butler hit a grand slam. From there on out, though, Mack held the Bandits to two runs, allowing only eight hits and striking out four batters.
The game was relatively quiet through the fourth inning, with the Pride orchestrating a two-run attack in the fourth that was cut short. Pride outfielder Kelly Kretschman nearly made a game-changing homerun that fell just short of the wall, but the Pride got their chance in the next inning.
The Pride took the field in the bottom of the fifth determined to capitalize on the Bandits pitching, with 10 batters taking the field before recording an out. Shortstop Natasha Watley lead the team with two runs and four RBIs, including a grand slam.
Rookie catcher Kristyn Sandberg had yet another exceptional night, with two runs and two RBIs in the game, including a two-run homerun to give the Pride a 5-4 lead. The crowd exploded along with the Pride's bats, starting cheers and chants which only fueled the team through the rest of the inning.
The Bandits ran through three pitchers in an attempt the save the game. Nikki Nemitz (5-4) recorded the loss after being taken out of the game in the fifth inning, while Meagan Denny-White and Chandra Bell eached pitched one inning.
The win brings the Pride within a game and a half of the Bandits in the NPF standings. They now travel to Akron to take on the Racers this weekend. Go to USSSAPride.com for recaps from the games.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 17, 2012
- Pride Rally in Fifth to Take Series over Bandits - USSSA Pride
- July 18 Clinic in Roscoe Postponed Until Further Notice - Chicago Bandits
- Show Your School Spirit During College Night, July 20 - Chicago Bandits
- Week 6 Recap: 95 Runs Scored in 8 Games - NPF
- Racers Host Akron VP Jim Tressel 'Meet and Greet' at Firestone - Akron Racers
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