Pennsylvania Rebellion Falls to Akron 9-3 in Season Opener

May 31, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Pennsylvania Rebellion News Release


The Pennsylvania Rebellion and the Akron Racers opened the 2016 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Season Tuesday night in York, PA. 1,623 excited fans were on hand at People's Bank Park to take in all the action. Akron bested the Rebellion b a score of 9-3.

The Racers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard when last year's NPF home run leader, Taylor Schlopy, sent one sailing over the left field fence in the top of the 1st inning. The two-run home run was hit off the Rebellion starting pitcher Dallas Escobedo. The third-year pitcher Escobedo tossed four innings giving up three runs, three hits, and striking out four. 

The Rebellion were able to cut the lead in half in the bottom of the 2nd inning. A two out base hit off the bat of Shortstop Whitney Arion scored Designated Player Mandy Ogle from second giving the Rebellion its first run of the season.

Pennsylvania kept the hot bats going in the 3rd inning. Third Baseman Ravan Chavanne led off the inning with her first hit as a member of the Rebellion and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from rookie second baseman Kayla Winkfield. Chavanne would come around to score when the Rebellion's newest player, Lindsey Stephens, homered off Racer's starting pitcher Aimee Creger. The Texas Longhorn product reached based safely all four plate appearances she had with a single and two walks to go along with the home run. 

The lead would not last for long though. In the top of the 4th, veteran Akron Racer Kelley Montalvo hit a solo home run just out of the reach of Rebellion Center Fielder Lindsey Stephens to tie the game 3-3. 

The game would remain knotted until the top of the 6th when Emily Weiman, who entered the game in the 5th in relief of Escobedo, gave up a walk and a single to start the inning. After a walk from Rebellion pitcher Haylie Wagner to load the bases, the Racers would take the lead for good on a bit off a strange play. Kelley Montalvo grounded a ball to First Baseman Alisa Goler who threw home to retire the lead runner. Catcher Kristyn Sandberg's attempt at a double play went off the glove of Second Baseman Winfield, who was covering first base, allowing the go-ahead run to score. The Racers were not done in the inning. The big blow game off the bat of Right Fielder Cassie Tysarczyk. Her 3-run home run extended the lead to 7-3 and got her the honors of Powerhandz Player of the Game.

The Racers would add to their lead in the top of the 7th when Left Fielder Shellie Robinson's two run home run made it 9-3. Robinson's long ball was the fourth of the night for Akron. 

The Rebellion attempted to get those runs back in the bottom half of the 7th when singles by Raven Chavanne and Lidnsey Stehpens and a walk to Alisa Goler loaded the bases. The rally attempt was thwarted by Racers pitcher Laura Winter when she was able to get Kristyn Sandberg flew out to centerfield to end the game.

Aimee Creger (1-0) picked up the win for the Racers with her five innings of work. The loss was awarded to the Rebellion's Emily Weiman (0-1). 

The two teams will meet again tomorrow evening at People's Bank Park in York, PA, for the second game of the two game series. The Rebellion's will play their home opener at CONSOL Energy Park Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. as part of a baseball/softball double header.  Tickets are available at the box office.



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from May 31, 2016


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