Great Softball Team of China Stands Up Against Thunder
Published on June 2, 2008 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
Rookie Allison Kime pitched over seven innings and did not allow an earned run against the Chinese national team, but the effort was not quite enough to pull out an extra innings victory in the exhibition.
Most of Rockford's everyday starters were benched to give the reserves playing time at the game's start. Among the usual backups with good games were third baseman Shanna Diller, with a 1-for-3 game, and catcher Victoria Batistelli, who went 1-for-2.
The game remained scoreless until the seventh inning, when China's Guo Jia and Lei Donyhui both hit singles with one out. After a Zan Ying strikeout, Zhou Yi hit a grounder to shortstop Sandy Vojik. The ball was fumbled momentarily by Vojik, and Jia crossed the plate. Donyhui also attempted to score for China, but Vojik got the ball to Batistelli, who easily tagged Donyhui out to end the threat.
Facing defeat in the bottom half of the inning, coach Jim Sherwood lifted several members of the batting order in favor of the everyday players in an attempt to mount a comeback.
Vojik walked with one out, and was replaced by pinch-runner Kristen Zaleski. Power hitter Tonya Callahan was then hit by a pitch. Pinch-hitter Savannah Brown quickly flew out to right field, which allowed Zaleski to reach third on the tag-up. Sherwood saw some confusion in the China outfield, and waved Zaleski around third. The throw came in just late, and Zaleski was able to cross the plate to tie the score.
China was able to get back in the game with two consecutive Thunder errors to lead off the top of the eighth. Pan Xia got the only RBI of the night to bring in Yu Yanhong from second to retake the lead. Rockford went down in order to end the game.
The Thunder get their first off-day of the season on Tuesday, and return to Sportscore One Wednesday to take on defending league champions Washington Glory at 6:35 pm. Tickets are available starting at $5, and can be purchased at the Thunder box office at 5:00.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 2, 2008
- Great Softball Team of China Stands Up Against Thunder - Rockford Thunder
- College World Series Hurlers Belong to Force - Philadelphia Force
- FSN to show five Force games - Philadelphia Force
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