Racers Early Lead Falls Short, Pride Win 5-4

The Pride would hold on to defeat the Racers by a score of 5-4.

The Racers started the game off strong with two singles hit by Sharonda McDonald and Lisa Modglin. Sam Marder followed that action with a double and after a collision between McDonald and Lauren Lappin at the plate, the Racers scored a run.

The Pride threatened the Racers with two singles by Kelly Kretschman and Francesca Enea in the top of the second. One at-bat later, Tonya Callahan earned one RBI off a single to center field, leaving the score 2-1.

The Racers continued their lead in the bottom of the fourth inning after Sarah Pauly walked Taylor Schlopy to first and allowed Kelley Montalvo a double to center field.

Kaylyn Castillo, pinch hitting for Alicia Herron, then entered the batter's box and hit a line drive single bouncing off third baseman, Tonya Callahan's glove, earning the Racers another run.

The Pride struck back at full force in the top of the fifth inning, starting with Jamee Juarez's single. Megan Willis took first base off an error on the Racers. Natasha Watley threatened the Racers with a bunt, getting herself out at first. With a hit towards short stop, Ashley Charters earned one RBI off a single.

Jessica Mendoza continued the inning by loading the bases off an error in right field, smacking a single. Kretschman followed, getting out on a fly ball, making two outs for the Pride.

In the next at-bat, Enea hit a single just past short stop earning two RBI and a single, putting the Pride in the lead, 4-3. Charlotte Morgan finished the inning by scoring one RBI with a double to right field.

The Racers retaliated in the bottom of the sixth inning with Schlopy's single to right field. Montalvo followed by dropping a bunt. Trying to get Schlopy out at second, the Pride failed, and Montalvo took first with no outs.

Alicia Herron got out on a fly ball, followed by McDonald's single, to load the bases. Modglin closed in the gap and hit a single to right field earning one RBI, leaving the score 5-4, with the Racers down by one.

The Racers shut out the Pride in the top of the seventh but could not take the victory in the bottom inning, leaving the score 5-4.

Erin Arevalo (1-5) pitched all seven inning for the Racers, allowing five runs on 10 hits, lowering her ERA to 4.98.

For the Pride, Sarah Pauly (8-2) allowed only four runs on 11 hits with three strikeouts, raising her ERA to 2.50.

For more information about the Akron Racers visit www.akronracers.org or call 330-376-8188. About the Akron Racers: The Akron Racers, headquartered in Akron, OH, are the oldest existing team in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. The Racers competed in the Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL) for two seasons in 1999 and 2000 and in the NPF since 2004. Historic Firestone Stadium is home to the Racers and numerous amateur events at all levels of play. The Racers kick-off their 11th season of play in 2012. www.akronracers.org.

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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from August 17, 2012

• Diamonds Rally Late, Defeat Bandits 8-7 - Chicago Bandits
• Pride Stay Hot; Blank Racers 8-0 - USSSA Florida Pride
• Racers Early Lead Falls Short, Pride Win 5-4 - Akron Racers

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