Racers Edged by Pride in Pitchers' Duel
June 10, 2017 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release
VIERA, FL - The Akron Racers used their deep pitching staff to limit the potent offense of the USSSA Pride, but the Pride took the series finale 3-1 at USSSA Space Coast Stadium Saturday evening. The Pride won the three-game series 2-1.
The Racers (2-4) got on the scoreboard first for the second straight night in the top of the second inning when left fielder Alex Hugo and first baseman Sam Fischer led off the frame with back-to-back singles. Two batters later, Hugo scored on a groundout by starting pitcher Sara Groenewegen to put Akron ahead 1-0.
After Groenewegen retired five of the first seven hitters she faced, the Pride answered back in the bottom of the second inning when, with two outs, Chelsea Goodacre hit a solo home run to tie the game. In the next inning, the Pride went ahead on a Lauren Chamberlain sacrifice fly that scored Kelly Kretschman, who led off the inning with a double to left field.
Fellow rookie pitcher Alexis Silkwood entered the game for Groenewegen in the bottom of the fourth inning to complete a scoreless inning by recording the final out. Former Michigan ace Megan Betsa relieved Silkwood and threw a shutout fifth inning to keep the Racer offense in position to attempt a comeback.
The Pride would add an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning when a Megan Wiggins double brought home Kirsti Merritt. Veteran pitcher Emily Weiman picked up the final out of the sixth inning for Akron. Pride reliever Keilani Ricketts ended the game when she shut down the Racers in order, for the third straight inning.
In addition to Hugo's single and run scored, the Racers got two hits from Fischer to lead the offensive attack.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 10, 2017
- Racers Edged by Pride in Pitchers' Duel - Akron Racers
- Dawgs Hit Three, Three Run Homers to Knock off the Charge, 9-4 - NPF
- USSSA Pride Take Home Game 2 of Series with Akron Racers, 6-4 - NPF
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