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NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits Bounce Back to Take out Pride

August 14, 2010 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas-Game two in the five game series against the USSSA Pride (22-18) found the Chicago Bandits (27-15) looking for revenge in a disappointing 2-0 loss the night before.

It was a quick first few innings for Bandits pitcher Eileen Canney (2-4) and the Bandits, who came out swinging much harder this game. By the second inning, the Bandits were onto Pride pitcher Sarah Pauly (11-5) putting themselves on the score board with an RBI double off the bat of Bandits' rookie Christine Knauer.

Later in the inning, costly base running errors by the speedy Knauer and center fielder Caitlin Lever limited the Bandits to just one run that inning as both were caught on a botched squeeze bunt attempt by Amber Patton.

The Bandits struck again in the bottom of the third when two RBI singles from Jennie Finch and Angela Findlay pushed runners across the plate.

A little help from a throwing error on the Pride's center fielder Kelly Kretschman advanced Finch to third on a single up the middle, as Emily Friedman came around to score. Finch went on to score as well as the next batter, Angela Findlay, dropped a single just over the head of Pride shortstop Natasha Watley to give the Bandits a 3-0 lead. Facing a zero on the scoreboard, Pride first baseman Tonya Callahan slapped a single to get on base in the top of the fourth. One batter later, Melissa Roth put runners in scoring position with a double, moving Callahan to third on the play. Solid defense by Chicago ended Florida's scoring threat.

Another fielding error by the Pride in the bottom of the fourth allowed Bandits shortstop Knauer to score, giving the Bandits a 4-0 lead.

In the top of the fifth, the Pride finally reached the scoreboard when center fielder Kelly Kretschman sent a line-drive home run over the centerfield fence to close the gap to 5-1.

Bandits starter Eileen Canney held tight to the run support, getting one more run from her offense to earn the complete game, 5-1 victory. The victory is Canney's second on the season. She managed three strikeouts and allowed six hits in the victory.

Tomorrow will have the Bandits and Pride facing off in a double header at 6:00 and 8:30 pm.

The second game will be a special Pink Out night for anyone coming to the ballpark in association with the American Cancer Society, so be sure to wear any pink you have to the ballpark. That includes you dads and brothers!

Bandit Tidbits - Tonight's attendance was recorded at 3,127. Prior to tonight's ballgame, Bandits pitcher Nikki Nemitz squared off with local radio personalities. Nemitz was victorious, allowing just one hit in four batters. Video of that challenge will be on the Bandits website shortly.

Bandits to host free clinic Photo of Samnatha and Angela Findlay by Dina Kwit

Here at the Bandits, we believe that having a firm foundation in the fundamentals of softball is crucial for young players to grow into strong softball players. To help young players improve their fundamental skills, the Bandits host multiple clinics throughout the season. The next clinic will be held on Friday, August 20 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm prior to the Bandits game at 7:05 pm against the Tennessee Diamonds at Judson University. The clinic is free and will be available for the first 100 kids who come with a ticket for that night's Bandits' game. After a short introduction and rundown of the day, kids will be broken up into five groups of 20 and will rotate through various stations. Each station will have a Bandits player instruct the girls on how to improve their fielding, throwing and base running skills. There will be no hitting instruction available at the camp due to lack of time. Games for the Diamonds series will be at 7:05 pm on Thursday, August 19, 7:05 pm on August 20, a double header at 2:00 and 7:05 pm on Saturday, August 21 and a final game at 2:05 pm on Sunday, August 22. For information about purchasing tickets to the Bandits' game on August 20 or any of the other games in their series against the Diamonds, call 1-877-7BANDIT (1-877-722-6348).

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