NPF Akron Racers

Racers Take Series, Defeat Pride 3-2

Published on June 24, 2015 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Lisa Norris of the Akron Racers
Lisa Norris of the Akron Racers
(Akron Racers, Credit: National Pro Fastpitch)

Akron, OH. - June 23, 2015 - It was a steamy night in Akron, Ohio as the USSSA Pride and Akron Racers squared off for the rubber match of their three-game series before a live television audience on CBS Sports Network for the second night in a row. The Pride took game one with a 6-2 decision over the hometown team on Sunday afternoon. The Racers evened the series at 1-1 with an inspired performance over the Pride's ace pitcher, Cat Osterman, 2-0, before a packed h ouse at historic Firestone Stadium.

The Racers' Alison Owen and the Pride's Chelsea Thomas took to the circle for their respective teams for the teams second night on CBS Sports Network.

The Akron Racers (6-8) defeated the USSSA Pride (6-4) back-to-back, 3-2. The Racers took the series two games to one over the reigning NPF Champion, USSSA Pride.

Kelly Kretshman (Alabama) slammed a solo home run to center field to put the Pride up by one in the top half of the first inning.

In the bottom of the first, starter, Chelsea Thomas (Missouri) struck out Jill Barrett (Tulsa) for the first out of the inning. Taylor Schlopy (Georgia) walked but was doubled off first base after Nerissa Myers (Louisiana-Lafayette) lined out to the pitcher.

Amanda Kamekona singled and Brigette Del Ponte (Arizona) followed with a doubled to center field in the second inning plating Kamekona to improve the Pride lead 2-0.

The Racers went three-up and three down in the second inning.

Lisa Norris entered the game in relief of Owen in the top of the third. The Pride followed in the bottom half of the inning by sending Andrea Williamson (Marshall) in to replace Chelsea Thomas.

Coach Brian Levin revealed that Norris was not meant to stay in for the remainder of the game.

"She was just so dominating and was locked in," Levin said. "She knew she wasn't going to get beat."

In the third inning, Haley Outon (Houston) singled and Cassie Tysarczyk grounded out to second base allowing Outon to move to second on the fielder's choice. Jill Barrett singled to left scoring Outon for the Racers first run of the game.

In the bottom of the fourth, Outon was hit by the pitch and moved to second on a passed ball. Tysarczyk walked and Outon stole third base. Ashley Thomas delivered a sharply hit shot to centerfield scoring Outon from third tying the game, 2-2.

Norris would dominate the game in the circle for the Racers. Her movement and control would stymie the powerful Pride lineup.

The Pride made another pitching change in the bottom of the sixth bringing in Jordan Taylor (Michigan) to finish out the game. Thomas and Barrett both singled to place Thomas in scoring position at second base. The red-hot Taylor Schlopy delivered what would become the game-winning hit to drive in Thomas for the 3-2 Racers advantage heading into the top of the seventh inning.

In the top of the seventh, it was the veteran Norris taking command of the game. Del Pointe ground out to Kelley Montalvo for out number one. Norris then struck out pinch hitters Madison Shipman and Chelsea Goodacre to defeat the Pride, 3-2.

"I'm just happy I could help my team out," Thomas said. "Everybody in this league is good, so every now and then you get in a period where you're like 'Can I get the ball through the infield?' My main goal for tonight was move the runners when I had the chance."

"I thought today's win was really big for us, especially coming off of yesterday," Schlopy said, "We carried momentum over and we're really coming together as a team."

The winning pitcher was Lisa Norris who retired 13 of the last 14 batters, while the losing pitcher was Jordan Taylor. The Racers finished with three runs and seven hits, and the Pride with two runs and four hits.

Location - Firestone Stadium

Final Score - Racers 3, Pride 2

Records - Akron Racers 6-8, USSSA Pride 6-4

Next Racers Game - Thursday, June 25 at 7:05pm

For more information about the Akron Racers visit www.akronracers.org or call 330-376-8188.

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Images from this story

Lisa Norris of the Akron Racers
Lisa Norris of the Akron Racers
(National Pro Fastpitch)		   



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