Bandits Fall to Diamonds, 9-5, in Game One of Final Home Series

The Bandits came into the game riding a five game win streak, dating back to the beginning of August when they went 3-1 in a series against the Diamonds.

The Diamonds struck first tonight against Chanda Bell (2-2) and the Bandits after Rachel Folden hit a two RBI single to center field in the top of the second inning to take a 2-0 lead. With the bases loaded for the second time in the inning, Bianca Mejia extended the lead to 5-0 as she hit a triple to the right center wall.

Going into the bottom of the second, the Diamonds lead was extended to 6-0 after Angeline Quiocho hit an RBI single to score Mejia. A pitching change by the Bandits brought Michelle Moses (0-3) into the game.

The Bandits loaded the bases in the bottom of the second against Diamonds starter Morgan Melloh (2-1), but left all three runners stranded as Alisa Goler hit a deep ball but was caught near the wall to end the inning.

In the bottom of the third, Danielle Zymkowitz cut the lead to 6-2 as she hit a two RBI single to center field.

The Diamonds quickly recovered the runs as Kelsi Weseman, Mejia and Amanda Kamekona each recorded an RBI in the top of the fourth inning to extend the Diamonds lead to 9-2.

Shannon Doepking gave the Bandits another run in the fifth as she singled to center field to bring home Tammy Williams who led off the inning with a double.

Goler cut the lead to 9-5 in the bottom of the sixth after she hit a two run home run, her sixth of the season, over the center field wall.

Despite the Bandits efforts to mount a comeback, the Diamonds managed to hold onto their 9-5 lead and take game one of the series, snapping the Bandits win streak at five.

"This has been the year of the hitter for the whole league," said Diamonds catcher Rachel Folden in regards to the Diamonds ability to win games against the Bandits this season. "Averages are up in general and our team has done a good job all season of trying to score early and get deep into their bullpen."

The Bandits will take on the Diamonds in game two tomorrow at 7:35 p.m. CDT.

Tickets to all remaining games of the series against the Diamonds are on sale now. To purchase tickets, contact the box office at 877-722-6348.

For more information about the Bandits, visit www.chicagobandits.com [2].

NOTES:

* Attendance for the game was 853.

* A robot named Talon from the United States Navy delivered the game ball to Chanda Bell to start the game.

STATS:

Chanda Bell (CHI): 1.2IP, 5H, 6R, 1K, 4BB

Michelle Moses (CHI): 5.1IP, 7H, 3R, 1K, 3BB

Morgan Melloh (CAR): 7.0IP, 6H, 5R, 5, 5BB

Danielle Zymkowitz (CHI): 2-3, 2RBI

Kelsi Weseman (CAR): 2-3, 2 2B, 2RBI

Bianca Mejia (CAR): 1-4, 3B, 3RBI

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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from August 15, 2012

• Bandits Fall to Diamonds, 9-5, in Game One of Final Home Series - Chicago Bandits

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