Thunder rally in fourth to overcome New England, 3-1
August 17, 2006 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
New England Riptide News Release
Strong defensive play by the Riptide could not stop the Texas Thunder who rolled to a game two victory with the help of a fourth inning rally. New England ended up on the wrong side of a 3-1 decision. KJ Kelley put the Riptide on the board in the top of the first. Jackie Pasquerella singled with one out and stole second giving New England a runner in scoring position. Kelley singled with two outs scoring Pasquerella to give the Riptide an early 1-0 lead.
Designated player Erica Beach was handed a walk by Texas pitcher Nicole Neuerburg to load the bases. Thunder shortstop Nina Lindenberg put an end to the inning picking up a fielders choice of the bat of Kristin Vesely and throwing Beach out at second for out number three.
Strong defensive play by the Riptide helped pitcher Danielle Henderson quiet the Thunder at the plate through the third inning. The Thunder roared back in the top of the fourth capturing the lead. Karrie Rider led off with a base hit and advanced to second on a passed ball. Clare Burnum laid down a sacrifice bunt that sent Rider to third. Lindsay Gardner reached on a fielder?s choice giving the Thunder runners on first and third. A base hit by Kim Nesloney advanced Gardner to second and sent Rider home tying the game 1-1.
Denise Dahlberg hit back to Henderson in the circle and was thrown out at first advancing Gardner and Nesloney. Kristen Zaleski helped Texas capture the lead sending a base hit into centerfield scoring both Gardner and Nesloney putting Texas on top 3-1. Zaleski advanced to second on the throw home by Jen Scavone and stole third but was stranded on base as Lindenberg popped out to Pasquerella to end the inning.
The Thunder continued to roll in the bottom of the sixth. Gardner walked but was thrown out by Pasquerella at second off a fielder's choice by Nesloney. Dahlberg walked putting runners on first and second. Erica Beach entered to relieve Henderson with two outs and Nesloney and Dahlberg on board. Beach struck out Zaleski to put the inning away.
The Riptide threatened to score in the bottom of the seventh but could not produce runs. Vesely led off with a base hit and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jen Scavone. Tarrah Beyster entered to pinch hit for Frankenstein with two outs in the inning and sent a hard hit down the left field line advancing Vesely to third. Kristine Botto entered to pinch run for Beyster but was thrown out by shortstop Adrian Gregory off a fielder's choice by Lindy Winkler to end the game in a 3-1 Thunder victory.
The Tide are back on Martin Field tomorrow, Friday August 18 at 7:05 pm for game three with the Texas Thunder.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from August 17, 2006
- Heat end losing streak with 6-1 win over Michigan - Arizona Heat
- Thunder rally in fourth to overcome New England, 3-1 - New England Riptide
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