NPF Chicago Bandits

Thorson Gives Up Six Early, Bandits Fall to Force

Published on June 17, 2009 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


The bases were loaded in the bottom of the second for Philadelphia Force second baseman Emily Friedman as she stepped into the batter's box to face Bandits' pitcher Kristina Thorson. After taking a first pitch strike, Friedman (2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 1 R) blasted the 0-1 pitch down the left field line, scoring two runners to give the Force a 4-0 lead.

Thorson (4-3) suffered a tough night in the circle, eventually giving up two more runs for a total of six earned off nine hits in three innings of work. She was handed the loss as the Force (2-5) defeated the Bandits (9-3) by a score of 6-3.

Philadelphia opened the scoring in the bottom of the first when Trena Peel (1-for-3, 1 RBI) smacked a single up the middle to score Clare Burnum from second base for the early 1- 0 lead. In the second, the Force added two more runs after Friedman's single when DeAnn Justice (1-for-3, 2 RBIs) singled to centerfield for a two RBI base hit.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the box, the Bandits were held scoreless by Force pitcher Katie Burkhart (1-0) through three innings.

Down 6-0 and in the top half of the fourth inning, Bandits' outfielder Nicole Trimboli (1-for-3, 1 RBI) laced a 1-0 pitch back up the middle to score Aileen Morales for the teams first run of the game. That would be all until the top of the sixth inning.

With the bases juiced, Bandits second baseman Kristie Fox (1- for-2, 1 RBI) worked the count full against Burkhart. Fox then blasted the 3-2 pitch to the outfield, scoring Tammy Williams from third for the RBI single. The single moved Bandits catcher Rachel Folden to third.

Facing a 2-2 count, Bandits' centerfielder Caitlin Lever (0- for-2, 1 RBI, 1 SAC) sent a fly ball deep to left field, in foul territory, for the sacrifice fly to score Folden, closing the score gap to 6-3.

That would be all the Bandits could muster as Burkhart buckled down to seal the victory. Burkhart earned the complete game victory after throwing seven innings of four hit ball, while allowing only three runs. Burkhart struck out 11 and walked four in the process.

Bandits' rookie pitcher Brandice Balshmiter came in to relieve Thorson in the fourth inning. She struck out three batters and allowed no hits in her three innings of work. The Force and the Bandits will square off again tomorrow night at 7:35 ET for game three of the five game series. The game is available live, online, through www.philadelphiaforce.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 17, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central