Pride Jump out on Top Early
July 14, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
USSSA Pride News Release
Kissimmee, FL - The USSSA Pride got out to a hot start on Thursday night. They began the game by scoring six runs in the first inning against the Dallas Charge. The Pride scored all six runs before making an out.
Keilani Ricketts is congratulated by her teammates as she reenters the dugout
Keilani Ricketts threw a gem. In her complete game, she allowed just four hits and one earned run while striking out five. Of her seven innings pitched, Ricketts threw 4.2 innings of no-hit softball. Her no-hit bid was blown in the fifth when Kahley Novak pounded a slap hit into the ground in front of home plate.
The six-run first inning took top-notch effort from the entire lineup. Rookie and consistent power-hitter Sierra Romero drove in the game's first runs with a single to center to drive in Megan Wiggins and Kelly Kretschman. Following an RBI single from Hallie Wilson down the left field line, Ricketts helped her pitching effort by delivering a three-run home run that scored Wilson and Romero. Ricketts' home run rounded out the first-inning scoring.
The Pride would score again in the fourth. A slap hit single from Courtney Ceo turned into a run after she made her way to third base following a steal and an illegal pitch. Shelby Pendley drove Ceo in with a sacrifice fly to right field.
Ricketts had a shutout going into the sixth. With the sun casting a harsh shadow on the outfield, players were struggling to track the ball effectively. As a result of the blinding sunlight, two hits dropped in the outfield that may have been caught otherwise. A run scored in the sixth, making the score 7-1 and ensuring that the Charge would not be shut out.
The Pride return to action on Saturday, July 16. They'll return to their true home in Florida as they take on the Chicago Bandits at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at 7:00 PM (ET).
Final Score
Dallas Charge: 1
USSSA Pride: 7
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