NPF Akron Racers

Akron Racers Set Franchise Home Run Mark

Published on August 2, 2016 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


AKRON, OH - The Akron Racers have been crushing the ball at an alarming rate off opposing pitchers all season long and after Monday night's four home run performance by the team in their 15th Season of Play, the Akron Racers bested the franchise record for home runs, previously held by the 2005 championship team.

In the top of the seventh inning of Akron's 7-3 win over the Charge in Dallas, the reigning NPF Rookie of the Week, Sami Fagan blasted a two-run home run that tied the team record of 52 home runs this season. It was Fagan's second home run of the night. Three batters later, second baseman Ashley Thomas belted the record setting 53rd home run for the game's final run. It was Thomas' sixth home run of the season.

The game was the third time this season that the Racers have hit at least four home runs in a game. In the first game of the season, Akron belted four home runs against the Pennsylvania Rebellion. In the Racers' home opener, also against the Rebellion, earlier this season the team hit a season-high five home runs.

Akron currently sits in seventh place in NPF history for most home runs by a team. This season's USSSA Pride, has also broken a franchise record belting 55 home runs. The Racers have the opportunity to climb a rung higher with each of the team's next four home runs, which would place them in third place in league history. Akron needs eight home runs to tie the 2008 Chicago Bandits record by an NPF-WPSL-WPF franchise of 61 home runs in a season. Based on current totals Akron is on pace to hit 63 home runs.

The Racers have received power contributions up-and-down the roster as 11 of the 15 position players currently on the Akron roster have hit at least one home run this season and seven players have hit at least four home runs.

Two rookies are leading the Racers power surge. First baseman Sam Fischer is tied for second in the NPF with the Pride's Megan Wiggins with 10 home runs. Fagan is one blast behind her, tied for fourth place in the NPF with the Chicago Bandits' Taylor Edwards.

Centerfielder Taylor Schlopy, who is in her sixth season with the team, is next with eight home runs. Schlopy has attacked the Racers' record book this season, already holding the mark for runs scored and walks. Schlopy is second all-time in Akron for home runs as well, needing nine home runs to match the individual franchise mark set by Crystl Bustos. Schlopy is also three hits and three doubles away from matching Iyhia McMichael's records in those categories.

The Racers will look to add to their record-setting total Tuesday night (August 2) in the final meeting of the season between Akron and the Charge at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Racers will then travel to Conroe, Texas to take on the Scrap Yard Dawgs in the final road series of the 2016 season beginning Thursday, August 4 and running through Saturday, August 6.

Akron returns home for the final week of the 2016 season to take on the Pride. Both games on Monday and Tuesday (August 8-9) will be televised live on CBS Sports Network at 7pm.

The Racers and Pride travel to the University of Notre Dame for one game on Wednesday, August 10th.

The two teams return to Firestone Stadium on Friday, August 12 for the final game of the 2016 regular season.

Contact the Akron Racers' box office at 330-376-8188 for ticket information.

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