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NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits Series Preview No. 2 - Dallas Charge

June 8, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROSEMONT - Following a season-opening sweep of the Scrap Yard Dawgs, the Bandits look to continue their early success in 2016 with a three-game series against the Dallas Charge at The Ballpark at Rosemont.

Kicking off their championship defense, the Bandits won all three games against the Dawgs thanks to complete game performances from Michelle Gascoigne and Lacey Waldrop and a strong offensive attack led by Jill Barrett (.600 avg., RBI), Tatum Edwards, (.600 avg., 5 RBI) and Danielle Zymkowitz (4 RBI). Meanwhile, the Charge began their season with a split two-game set on the road against the Pennsylvania Rebellion.

Last season, the Bandits enjoyed a great deal of success against Dallas, who was entering its first season as an NPF franchise. In total, the Bandits won nine of the 12 meetings in 2015, which included a 9-3 mark at The Ballpark at Rosemont.

After qualifying for the postseason in their inaugural season, the Charge return a strong roster, headed by 2015 All-NPF first baseman Kaitlyn Richardson and middle infielder Renada Davis, who finished among the top four in the league in five different offensive categories.

Charge catcher Vicky Galasso will also be making her return to Rosemont after appearing in 18 games for the Bandits during her rookie season in 2015.

For the Bandits, they'll look to create some early-season separation at the top of the standings following their sweep of the Dawgs. Second-round draft pick Shelby Turnier is expected to make her first professional start in Thursday's contest and 2015 NPF Offensive Player of the Year Brittany Cervantes will make her return from her season overseas in Japan. However, the Bandits will still be shorthanded in this upcoming matchup. Tatum Edwards will not be available in the first two games against the Charge and Taylor Edwards is not expected back in Rosemont until Saturday, following her own season in Japan.

First pitch in game one of the series is set for 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday at The Ballpark at Rosemont. Game two will be played the following day, also at 7:05, followed by the series finale Friday at 7:35 p.m.

Game schedule and probable pitching matchups

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 - 7:05 p.m.

- DAL: Lauren Haegar (0-0) vs. CHI: Michelle Gascoigne (1-0)

Thursday, June 9, 2016 - 7:05 p.m.

- DAL: Jill Compton (1-0) vs. Lacey Waldrop (1-0)

Friday, June 10, 2016 - 7:35 p.m.

- DAL: Andi Williamson (0-1) vs. Shelby Turnier (0-0)

Promotional schedule

June 8 - Kids Run the Bases Night (following conclusion of game)

- Pregame concourse photo sponsored by NCSA - Allison Bauch & Morgan Foley (5:55 - 6:10 p.m.)

- Partial-team autograph session after completion of game, featuring Brenna Moss, Danielle Zymkowitz, Michelle Gascoigne, Sara Moulton, Emily Allard, Alaynie Page, Allison Bauch, Shelby Turnier, Morgan Foley, Andrea Filler, Brittany Cervantes *

June 9 - High School Night, sponsored by TransNational; Thunder stix giveaway, courtesy of FGS, Inc.

- Pregame concourse photo sponsored by NCSA - Sammy Marshall & Lacey Waldrop (5:55 - 6:10 p.m.)

- Full-team autograph session after completion of game

June 10 - Kids Run the Bases Night (following conclusion of game)

- Pregame concourse photo sponsored by NCSA - Megan Blank & Jill Barrett (6:25 - 6:40 p.m.)

- Partial-team autograph session after completion of game, featuring Sammy Marshall, Megan Blank, Lacey Waldrop, Natalie Hernandez, Kristen Brown, Morgan Foley, Kelsey Dotson, Samantha McCloskey, Tatum Edwards, Taylor Edwards *

* players subject to change

Players to watch

While Jill Barrett and Tatum Edwards stole the show in the opening series, perhaps no one provided a bigger boost at the bottom of the order than second-year pro Sammy Marshall. The Western Illinois graduate, who recorded just six at-bats last season in 25 games (two starts), collected her first career hit and RBI in the season opener, a 6-4 Bandits victory. In the three-game series, Marshall batted .571 with a team-high five runs scored. She also walked three times to boost her on-base percentage to .700 for the weekend and swiped a pair of bases.

For the Charge, Nadia Taylor will be one to watch. Last season, Taylor started 38 games for the Charge, leading the team in slugging percentage (.450), home runs (5) and RBI (18). She also showcased her ability to draw pitches in the zone and put in the ball in play, striking out just 22 times and walking a mere five times all season.

Tickets

Single and group tickets for the 2016 Bandits season are available now by calling the office at 877-722-6348 or by visiting www.chicagobandits.com. Tickets start at just $7.25 each.

For more information on the Bandits, please contact the team at 877-722-6348 or visit them on the web at www.chicagobandits.com.

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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.

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