NPF Chicago Bandits

Abbott Records 16 Strikeouts as Bandits Shut out Rebellion

July 7, 2015 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Bandits received timely hitting and a complete game shutout from their ace Monica Abbott to defeat the Rebellion 1-0 and the opportunity for a third series sweep of Pennsylvania this season.

Abbott (5-1) was stellar in the circle allowing just two hits with 16 strikeouts in a game that was delayed 52 minutes due to rain in the top of the seventh.

"I thought she was incredible," Emily Allard said of Abbott's outing. "The one thing that I always give Monie credit for is she competes. Obviously she is a very powerful pitcher, but when you have somebody who gets on the mound and just puts her head down and goes to work, as a defense that's just fun to play behind."

Abbott's counterpart, Haylie Wagner, matched her dominance with five hits allowed and one earned run in her first career NPF start.

Kristyn Sandberg looked to have given the Rebellion an early 1-0 lead in the second with a long fly ball that bounced off the top of the centerfield fence. The ball bounced in to play to Allard, which gave Sandberg a triple. Abbott struck out the next two batters to get out of harms way.

Tammy Williams (2-3, RBI) singled in the bottom of the sixth to bat in Allard (1-3) and give the Bandits a 1-0 lead. Allard singled, stole second and advanced to third on an Amber Patton fielder's choice before coming around to score.

"I think in a situation like that especially in a close game 0-0 all the way through, momentum is everything and my job in that situation is to create some sort of momentum," Allard said of her game winning run. "I knew in my mind if I could get on base that the rest of the pieces would fall together."

In the top of the seventh, Abbott struck out Sandberg to start the inning before giving up a single to Sarah Prezioso and a walk to pinch hitter, Whitney Arion, before a rain delay was called. After the delay, Abbott regrouped and struck out the next two batters for her fifth win of the season.

"She stayed in the dugout and kept her focus and we came back as a team," Allard said.

The Bandits look for their third series sweep of the Pennsylvania Rebellion this season tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. CT. Tuesday's game will also be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.

Tickets for tomorrow night's game and the remainder of the Bandits 2015 season are on sale now at www.chicagobandits.com.



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 7, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central