NPF Chicago Bandits

Finch, Bandits blast past Pride

Published on July 30, 2010 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


In her first appearance with the Chicago Bandits (21-13) since the announcement of her retirement plans, Jennie Finch stepped into the circle to face off against newly signed pitcher Danielle Lawrie (0-1) and the USSSA Florida Pride (18-14).

The Bandits offense put up some much needed run support for their ace, fueling Finch (4-1) to an 8-3 victory over the Pride.

Natasha Watley blooped an infield single past Finch and Bandits' shortstop Christine Knauer to reach first base safely. The next three batters were not so lucky as Finch quickly ended the inning, allowing Watley to only reach second base on a fielder's choice.

With the bases loaded and one out, the Bandits put the pressure on Lawrie in the top of the second. Bandits veteran Stacy May stepped up to face the rookie. May, in the hunt for the MVP race, dribbled a grounder to Watley at short stop, and the speedy Knauer was able to beat the throw at second base to put the Bandits up 1-0.

Amber Patton kept the runs flowing for the Bandits with a single to centerfield, scoring two more runs to give Finch and the Bandits a 3-0 lead. The rough start for Lawrie didn't stop there as Bandits catcher Rachel Folden blasted a two RBI double off the centerfield wall to bring in May and Patton for a 5-0 lead. Lawrie was able to regroup, striking out Samantha Findlay for the final out.

With two on and two down in the bottom of the second, the Pride threatened, but Finch was able to buckle down, earning a strikeout for the final out of the inning.

With pinch runner Amberly Waits on third (running for Finch), Bandits second baseman Vicky Galindo slapped a single to shortstop. Waits slid hard into home, sneaking past the bobbled ball by Pride catcher Megan Willis to put the Bandits up 6-0. Galindo reached third base safely on the play. She would stay at third as Knauer's pop up was snagged by Watley for the final out.

Florida rookie Charlotte Morgan broke through to give the Pride a run in the bottom of the third with two on and one out. Her single to left field landed in front of Chicago's Emily Friedman, allowing Watley to score. The Pride quickly added two more runs, as a single by Tonya Callahan brought home two runs, closing the scoring gap to 6-3. The second run scored when the throw home was bobble by Ashley Holcombe at the plate and then Jennie Finch as back up on the throw.

Bandits left fielder Emily Friedman added two more runs for the Bandits in the top of the fifth when her dribbler of a single snuck past Lawrie and the bunt-ready infield, allowing two runners to score for an 8-3 lead.

Finch held tight through the remaining three innings, closing out the game for her fourth win on the season while allowing six hits, three runs, three walks and seven strikeouts in the victory.

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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 30, 2010


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