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NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits power by the Force

July 17, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


Elgin, IL. - The Comcast Chicago Bandits hit two home runs and pitcher Kristina Thorson threw a three-hitter as the Bandits took game one of a four-game set from the visiting Philadelphia Force by a score of 3-1.

The Force (17-8), who entered the contest in first place in the NPF standings, started Megan Gibson, who was 6-0 to begin her professional career. The Bandits countered with Thorson, who was last year's Rookie Pitcher of the Year as a member of the Force.

In support of Thorson, the Bandits (14-11) got on the board in the third inning. Aileen Morales started the frame with a single off of Gibson (6-1). The next batter, lead-off hitter Stacy May, stroked a two-run blast to plate the game's first two runs.

Two innings later, the Bandits would add another run. Leading off the fifth inning was Amanda Freed. She would take a Gibson pitch into the first row of the left field seats to put the Bandits up 3-0.

The Force tried to mount a comeback in the sixth off of their former teammate, Thorson (4-5). Back-to-back one-out singles by Clare Burnum and Sharonda McDonald put runners on first and second for the league's leading hitter, Kellie Wilkerson. Wilkerson, getting the start in right field, grounded a ball to second base which moved up both base runners. With Chelsea Spencer at the dish, Thorson uncorked a wild pitch to allow Burnum to dart home with the Force's only run.

In the circle, Thorson tossed a complete game. She yielded three hits, with Wilkerson having the other base knock for the Force, and struck out two batters. Gibson allowed five hits and struck out six in six innings of work.

Nicole Trimboli and Laura Harms also added hits for the Bandits.

The two teams continue the series on the Thursday night at 8 p.m. EDT. The game will be shown live on Comcast Sportsnet Chicago. The Force and Bandits have three more games in the Chicago suburb before the teams travel home together to Allentown to begin a four-game set at ECTB Stadium starting on Monday. The series is the Fitness, Fun, and Family series and is highlighted by Belle's Birthday Bash on the 24th. Many local mascots including the Phantic are expected to be on hand for that special event.



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 17, 2008


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