Rockford Looks for Series Sweep Over Chicago
Published on June 1, 2007 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
Rockford (3-0) vs. Chicago (0-3), 6:35 p.m. CDT
The Rockford Thunder will look to stay perfect on Friday night at Sportscore One when they take on the Bandits in the fourth and final game of the opening series.
Rockford has taken the first three games from Chicago, including last night's 8-2 victory in front of 626 fans. Serena Settlemier was the star for the Thunder, as she not only earned her first win of the season, but she also belted her first home run of the season. The home run came as part of the Thunder's six-run second inning.
The Thunder will send rookie pitcher Abbie Sims to the circle for her first professional start. She will be countered by Bandits ace and Olympic Gold Medal winner Jennie Finch.
Probable Pitching Match-up
ROC: RHP Abbie Sims (1-0, 7.00 ERA)
Sims will take the mound for the second time this series. She worked three relief innings in Wednesday night's Thunder victory, earning her first career win. She did struggle a little out of the gate, probably due to nerves, but she ended up settling in nicely to get the win. Sims was just recently named a third team All-American selection after her incredible season at North Carolina State University.
CHI: RHP Jennie Finch (0-1, 0.60 ERA)
Finch will toe the rubber for the second time as well in the series. The tall, hard-throwing right-hander took the tough loss in the season opener on Tuesday night, losing to Cat Osterman, 1-0. For 11 2/3 innings Finch shut down the Thunder, as she allowed just four hits on the night, while striking out a total of 17. Finch has also been in the hitting lineup all three games this season, going for 1-for-8 with three walks.
Player to watch
Kristen Zaleski looks to continue her solid play to open the season and solid hitting off of Finch. In Tuesday night's opener, Zaleski was 2-for-5 from the plate, and she also stole a couple of bases. So far this season, Zaleski has recorded five stolen bases, a double and a triple.
Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
Up next (Pitching Probables)
- Saturday: Thunder (Amanda Freed, 0-0, 1.75) vs. Team Venezuela (TBD), 8:35 p.m. CDT (at Chicago)
- Sunday: Thunder (Cassidy Scoggins, 0-0, 0.00) vs. Team Venezuela (TBD), 5:05 p.m. CDT (at Chicago)
- Thursday: Thunder (Cat Osterman, 1-0, 0.00) vs. NE Riptide (TBD), 6:35 p.m. CDT
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 1, 2007
- Riptide bats still silent- drop second game 2-0 - New England Riptide
- Rockford Looks for Series Sweep Over Chicago - Rockford Thunder
- Opening Night is June 14 - New England Riptide
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