Big Inning Costs Racers in Loss to Dawgs
July 9, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) News Release
AKRON, OH (July 8, 2016) - The Scrap Yard Dawgs defeated the Akron Racers in their first appearance at Firestone Stadium, thanks in large part to a big third inning offensively for the Dawgs and excellent pitching by starter Monica Abbott throughout the game.
The Racers (13-11) were first on the board with a solo home run from third baseman Kelley Montalvo (Alabama) in the bottom of the first inning. Montalvo launched a rocket down the left field line that stayed fair, after Montalvo robbed Dawgs third baseman Amanda Fama of an RBI hit when she soared into the air to snag a line drive down the third baseline for the final out in top of the first inning.
"I really just tried to get the momentum for my team," Montalvo said. I was just trying to get a good at bat. Whatever it was, I just wanted to get it started for my team and get the momentum on our side."
Abbott was in control for most of the game following the Montalvo home run, retiring the next 16 hitters she faced. Abbott (10-1) finished the game allowing three hits and striking out 13 hitters.
"Today Monica was pretty sharp. I think sometimes you just tip your hat and say good job, nothing much you can do about it," Racers coach Brian Levin said.
Abbott's ability to keep Akron off the scoreboard allowed the Dawgs' offense the time it needed to put together a big two-out rally in the top of the third inning. After centerfielder Emily Crane and designated player Breja'e Washington led off the inning with back-to-back singles for the Dawgs, Racers starter Jailyn Ford (5-5) retired the next two batters. However, Fama came through for the Dawgs with a two-run single to give the Dawgs a 2-1 lead with two outs in the third inning. Catcher Taylore Fuller followed with a two-run home run that plated Fama, and shortstop Christian Stokes hit a solo shot to give the Dawgs a 5-1 lead.
Following the Stokes home run, Laura Winter (Notre Dame) replaced Ford (James Madison) in the circle during the top of the third inning, throwing 4.1 perfect innings in relief with five strikeouts.
"I felt pretty good," Winter said. "I was trying to keep the energy of this team up and keep them in this game any we could and they played great defense behind me."
The Racers attempted to mount a rally in the bottom of the sixth inning as centerfielder Taylor Schlopy laced a single up the middle and Emily Messer followed with a high-hopping infield hit to put runners on first and second base with two outs, but Abbott struck out shortstop Sami Fagan to end the threat.
The Racers will end the two game series with the Dawgs tomorrow night at Firestone Stadium with the first pitch being thrown at 7:05 p.m. Contact the Akron Racers ticket office at 330-376- 8188 or online at www.akronracers.org for ticket information.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 9, 2016
- USSSA Pride - USSSA Pride Fall to Charge in 4-3 Thriller - USSSA Pride
- Racers Surge Past Dawgs to Re-Claim Second Place - Akron Racers
- USSSA Pride Fall to Charge in 4-3 Thriller - NPF
- Big Inning Costs Racers in Loss to Dawgs - NPF
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