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Nauts Win Game One

August 25, 2004 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
New York/New Jersey Juggernaut News Release


Akron, Ohio - The first ever National Pro Fastpitch Championship kicked off its inaugural season's semifinal series today at Firestone Stadium at Akron, Ohio. In the first contest of the night, the second place Akron Racers (37-23) faced off against the NY/NJ Juggernaut (37-23). Both teams finished with identical records, but the Racers edged out the Juggernaut in head-to-head record during regular season play which awarded them second place.

The game started out as a pitching duel between the Juggernaut's Amanda Scott (1-0), the league leader in regular season wins with 15, and the Racer's Brandee McArthur (0-1). The game remained scoreless until the Nauts bats came alive in the fourth inning behind Scott's 9 strikeout performance.

Lauren Bauer (3-for-4) led the Juggernaut offense on their way to take the lead in the series.

The Juggernaut's first run came off a sacrifice fly by Kellie Wilkerson (0 for 0) as she sent the Racer's right fielder Peel through the outfield fence to bring the ball back into the park. A two-base tag up on the play by Lyndsey Klein (1-for-3) put the Juggernaut up 1-0 in the top of the fourth.

The Juggernaut put the pressure on the Racers once again in the top of the sixth inning. Wilkerson drew a walk to lead off the inning. Pinch hitter Lisa Iancin, with a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt, advanced the runner into scoring position. Venus Taylor (1-for-3) pushed across the second run for the Juggernaut with a single up the middle, plenty of insurance for Scott, the Nauts ace.

The Racer's final threat came in the bottom of the seventh inning after a single by Peel (2-for-3). Akron looked to Heather Wright (0 for 2) to keep the rally alive. But the Juggernaut quickly quieted the Racers by ending the inning, and the game, with a double play.

The Nauts played flawless defense in the game, including a diving catch by right fielder Kellie Wilkerson with two outs and two runners on base and strong catching by Amanda's sister, Courtney Scott.

The Juggernaut will look to eliminate the possibility of a Game 3 tomorrow against the Racers, which would allow them to advance directly to the Championship Series. The game will be played at Firestone Stadium in Akron , Ohio . The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Probable starters are Kaci Clark for the Nauts and Nikki Myers for the Racers.

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