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NPF Chicago Bandits

Chicago Bandits defeat Rockford Thunder 5-4 NPF softball Thursday night

August 14, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ELGIN, IL.-After five runs and three home runs in the first one-and-a-half innings, it was clear that anything could happen in the first game between the Chicago Bandits and Rockford Thunder.

Chicago (29-16) picked up its ninth straight win in come-from-behind fashion with a 5-4 victory over the Rockford Thunder (18-27) Thursday night in National Pro Fastpitch play at the Judson Sports Complex. It was the Bandits sixth straight game in which they trailed or were tied late in the game.

Trailing 4-2 in the fifth inning, the Bandits roared back with a fury. After Aileen Morales was pegged in the knee, Stacy May and Kristie Fox chipped away on the left side between third base and shortstop and each singled. Morales beat out a close play at home to score one run on Fox's single and Rachel Folden gave Chicago a 5-4 lead with a two RBI double down the right field line.

"I don't see it as a matter of having to contribute in a close game," Folden said after hitting two important home runs and a two RBI triple in Chicago's previous series against the New England Riptide. "Today we lacked energy and I wanted to create energy. We have a winner's mentality and know what it takes. If you ever think you're out of it, then you're out of it."

Jessica Sallinger had no trouble keeping Chicago's lead intact when she came in to pitch for starter Kristina Thorson in the sixth inning. In 1.2 innings, Sallinger did not allow a hit and struck out three Thunder batters.

"I felt really good during warm ups, I think coming in relief I have more adrenaline," Sallinger said. "I think there is an extra drive coming in relief to finish the game."

Kristie Fox gave Chicago an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. After Stacy May walked to lead off the game, Fox smashed her fifth home run of the season to deep right center.

"Stacy May does a great job getting on base," Fox said. "I just wanted to do my job to advance her and got on top of the ball when [Rockford's pitcher Allison Kime] came in with an inside pitch."

The Bandits lead did not last long. After Kristina Thorson retired Rockford's(18-27) first three batters in order, the Thunder struck twice in the second with back-to-back home runs by Kristen Zaleski and Stephanie Best and took the lead 3-2. Both home runs crashed off the left field scoreboard. Savannah Brown added another home run in the fifth inning that coincidently once again ricocheted off the Judson scoreboard and the Thunder upped its lead to 4-2 and broke up two scoreless innings.

Start Allison Kime (9-9) lasted 4.2 innings for the Thunder and gave up five runs, five hits, three walks and had two strikeouts before giving way to Cassidy Scoggins.

In 5.1 innings of work, starter Thorson (11-5) allowed five hits, four runs, one walk and had four strikeouts when Sallinger came in to pitch in relief and picked up a save.

"We got used to each other and are picking up momentum," Fox said. "We are playing together and are picking a good time to play together."

Notes: Chicago Bandits first base coach Craig Nicholson was thrown out in the first inning by the first base umpire for disputing a call when Rachel Folden was ruled out for leaving first base early

The Chicago Bandits are in its fourth season in the National Pro Fastpitch women's professional softball league and have qualified for the playoffs three times. Established in 2005, the Bandits moved to Elgin, IL in 2008 and play at Judson University. Chicago won the NPF Regular Season Championship in 2005 and 2006. Season tickets, group tickets and individual tickets are available and start at $10. For more information call 877-7BANDIT or visit www.chicagobandits.com.



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