NPF Akron Racers

Racer Seventh Inning Rally Falls Short

July 31, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


McKinney, TX -- The Dallas Charge overcame an early 5-0 deficit to win a seesaw affair Sunday afternoon at Craig Ranch against the Akron Racers 10-8. Game one of the three-game series featured 21 hits between the two teams including six doubles and three home runs.

Both squads left nine runners on base. Akron used four pitchers and the Charge pitched three. Jill Compton picked up the win for the Charge going three and one-third innings in relief of Vanessa Stokes who allowed five runs on five hits, all earned. Stokes hit two batters and did not make it out of the second inning. Morgan Melloh earned the save throwing the final two innings for Dallas.

The game started badly for the Charge. A.J. Andrews, Ashley Thomas and Sami Fagan all reached via the free pass. Hits by Sam Fisher and Taylor Schlopy cleared the bases giving Akron a 3-0 lead. The second inning was more of the same. A two-out Thomas double was followed by a Fagan double that plated Thomas. Fisher walked ending the day for Stokes. A subsequent Schlopy single up the middle scored Fagan to push the Akron lead to 5-0.

In the bottom of the second inning, things began to turn for the Charge. Chelse Forkin led off with a line drive over the right-center field fence to get Dallas on the board.

The Charge took the lead in the bottom of the third, scoring five runs. Kylee Lahners got things started with a single and then stole second base. Lauren Haeger got hit by a pitch in front of a Kaylyn Castillo three-run bomb to left-center field. The blast cut the Racer lead to 5-4. Forkin rolled a ball to third base that was misplayed and she reached first base safely, ending the night for Akron starter Jailyn Ford. She made way for Laura Winter who was unable to put out the fire. After a ground out, Danielle Henderson hit a towering fly ball to left that just cleared the fence and reached the bleachers, giving the Charge a 6-5 edge.

The Racers immediately responded and tied the game on the strength of a Fagan double to right field and Shellie Robinson single that scored Fagan.

The scored remained tied into the bottom of the fifth inning when the Charge got two more runs to take the lead. Dallas loaded the bases with a walk, a hit and fielder's choice. Renada Davis doubled to left, giving the Charge an 8-6 lead.

Dallas extended the advantage to 10-6 by adding two more in the bottom of the sixth inning. Again Dallas loaded the bases in the frame. Kaitlyn Richardson plated two runs with a base hit.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Racers fought back and scored two runs and had the tying run on second. Robinson walked and Schlopy was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Two batters later Kelley Montalvo drew a walk to load the bases. With two outs, Andrews smashed a double to left-center field to bring home Robinson and Schlopy. Melloh closed the door on Akron's rally by striking out Thomas.

Davis and Castillo each had two hits. Richardson collected three hits. Davis, Henderson and Richardson all had two RBI. Castillo knocked in three runs.

Akron's Andrews, Fagan and Schlopy also had two hits apiece. Fagan scored three runs. Andrews, Fischer and Schlopy each knocked in two RBI.

The Charge improved their record to 14-25 on the season. The Racers fell to 20-21. The Charge will take on the Akron Racers again on Monday night.



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 31, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central