Carolina Diamonds Win 7-3 on Opening Day
June 8, 2012 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Carolina Diamonds News Release
Akron, OH - The Carolina Diamonds won their first game of the National Pro Fastpitch season last night in Ohio against the Acron Racers thanks to a first inning grand slam and solid defense.
It was a game of firsts too, highlighted by odd instances where the rule book was used to declare another grand slam a three run shot instead and the water sprinklers caused a delay late in the game.
"I was very pleased with the team. I think we came out and attacked and did well," Diamonds head coach Teresa Wilson said. "I think we called the wrong pitch at the wrong time. I think we could have had a shutout last night. But as a group over all I think everything went great." It was also a return to the circle for starting pitcher Katie Burkhart, who had a strong game before recent Auburn University alumna Angel Bunner made her first professional appearance in the fifth.
"Katie was dealing those first three innings. She had great movement and speeds and I am very, very happy for her. And then Angel came in and pitched with complete calm and composure, even after the little sprinkler debacle she held her composure and did a great job," Wilson said of the pitching staff.
Short stop Bianca Mejia's blast at the start of the game made the first home run in this incarnation of the franchise a grand slam. She would later drive in another run soon followed by an RBI from GiOnna DiSalvatore before outfielder Caitlin Lever finally made gave the team seven runs with a solo blast to right field later.
"I think we did very well for our first time out getting to play and everything. I think everybody did pretty well," Mejia said after.
Wilson and the team's focus and attention to rules in the bottom of the fourth inning saved the team a run when Racers infielder Aja Paculba hit what was originally thought to be a grand slam. After a temporary delay it was ruled a Racers player passed another runner on the base line after the hit, which resulted an out being awarded and one of the four runs disallowed. These would be the only runs allowed by the Diamonds as Bunner would take to the circle in the fifth and go on to hold the Racers the rest of the game, which also featured strong defensive play by a number of other players throughout it, not even flinching when the sprinkler system caused a delay in play late in the game.
"I think we did well. The first game out as a pitcher you are kind of finding your sea legs, as I like to put it," Burkhart said. "Just getting the feel, the rhythm. But I am definitely pleased with how the team played so I can't ask for anything else." To view the Carolina Diamonds' schedule or purchase tickets to an upcoming game, visit www.yourcarolinadiamonds.com.
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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 8, 2012
- Racers' Offense Explodes for 14-2 Victory over Diamonds - Akron Racers
- Pride Struggle Against Abbott; Drop Season Opener - USSSA Pride
- NPF Season Opens - NPF
- Carolina Diamonds Win 7-3 on Opening Day - Carolina Diamonds
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