NPF Akron Racers

Racers Blanked by Bandits, 2-0

Published on June 19, 2012 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Rosemont, Ill - June 19, 2012 - Sharonda McDonald did her best to keep the Akron Racers out of Monica Abbott's personal history book Tuesday night in a 2-0 loss to the Chicago Bandits.

In the top of the sixth, with one out and Abbott tossing a no-hitter, McDonald laid down a bunt in front of home plate and reached first with on a no-throw. It was just one of two hits the Racers could muster, with Sam Marder adding the other later in the inning.

The sixth was Akron's best chance to end Abbott's scoreless season, but Brianna Hesson struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch on the far outside corner to end the rally, leaving McDonald stranded at third and pinch runner Megan Bush at first.

On the other side of the ball for Akron, in her first career NPF start, Jennifer Mineau held her own against the defending NPF champions. Despite 29 pitches in the first inning, she worked out a jam, striking out Kristen Butler and Whitney Larsen, to keep the game scoreless.

The second inning was a slightly different story.

Amanda Williams singled and reached third after a Shannon Doepking sacrifice bunt and Vicky Galindo single. Both Galindo and Williams would score when shortstop Tammy Williams singled to center to take the 2-0 lead.

Akron caught a break one batter later that changed the course of the inning. Amber Patton lined one over McDonald's head in center, scoring Williams from first, and reaching third in the process.

The run was nullified, however, after the umpires ruled Williams left first early, so Patton had to go back to the plate with a 1-0 count. Williams was the second out as a result. Mineau would end the inning on a Megan Wiggins pop out to the catcher.

From there Mineau held the Bandits' bats in check, finishing with five hits allowed in 4.2 innings, four walks and three strikeouts. Hillary Bach pitched the final 1.1 innings, allowing no hits, no walks and no runs.

McDonald would end up leading the Racers's offense, going 1-for-2 at the plate with a single, walk and a stolen base.

For Abbott, her NPF-leading season continued, pitching a complete game, two-hit shutout, walking two and striking out 14.

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