Rockford splits doubleheader with Pride
Published on June 20, 2009 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
ROSCOE, Ill. - The Thunder had an up and down day on Saturday as they split a day-night doubleheader with the visiting USSSA Pride. The Pride took game one behind a strong pitching effort from Monica Abbott by a final of 6-2, while the Thunder won the nightcap 1-0 behind another Osterman shutout.
USSSA (2-7) scored first in game one mainly because of the inability to find the strike zone by starter Cassidy Scoggins. Scoggins wouldn't make it out of the second inning of the game as she surrendered four runs on two hits and four walks.
Scoggins was relieved by Samantha Sheeley in the circle, but she didn't fare much better. She walked the first batter she faced to make the score 4-0. Sheeley would settle in nicely for the rest of the game finished with a career-high 5 2/3 innings pitched.
Abbott went the distance for the Pride to get the win. She allowed two unearned runs in the seventh inning and struck out 13 hitters.
For Rockford (9-5), Jenna Rhodes led the way offensively in game one. She collected three of the teams five hits and was on board her fourth time because of an error.
In game two neither offense could get a whole lot going and the Pride actually outhit the Thunder in the game six to four. But the story again was the brilliant pitching of Osterman in the circle that helped the Thunder win the game.
Osterman went the distance to improve her league-best record to 6-0. She also lowered her league-leading ERA to 0.18.
The offensive hero in the game was Shanna Diller. In the fourth inning Diller drove a Desiree Serrano pitch to right field to score Shanel Scott who singled to lead off the inning. Rhodes stayed hot at the plate by going 2-for-3 in game two.
Serrano was the tough-luck loser in the game and fell to 0-3. She went the distance and gave up just four singles to the Thunder.
The two teams will close out the five-game series on Sunday afternoon with the first pitch scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Rockford will send Allison Kime to the circle where she hopes to duplicate her shutout effort from Wednesday night.
Following the game fans can join members of the Thunder at the Culver's of Roscoe.
For more information on the Thunder or to purchase tickets contact the Thunder at (815) 965-7000. Additional information can also be obtained on the Thunder website at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 20, 2009
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