Thunder Series Preview #4 â Chicago Bandits
June 29, 2009 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
June 29, 2009 - ROCKFORD - The Rockford Thunder will return to action on Tuesday, July 7 at 1:05 p.m. when they host the first-place Bandits for a five-game series at Thunder Park in Roscoe.
The Thunder, who will be ending a 15-day break when the Bandits come to town, will look to continue its impressive play early in the season. Rockford (9-6) has won each of the first three series of the season and currently sits in second place behind Chicago.
Chicago hasn't missed a beat in 2009 after capturing both the 2008 regular season and postseason titles. The Bandits have started the 2009 season at 15-4 and have lost just one game in each of the four series they have played.
The match-up between the two teams should be interesting because of the different styles of play. Rockford will continue to rely on a steady defense and some small ball, while the Bandits will use the power game, which is evident by their 26 home runs through the first 19 games of the year.
Both teams will be without several players for the series due to their respective commitments to the US National Team.
Other Information Beginning with the game on Wednesday, July 8th there will be a $3 per vehicle fee to park at Thunder Park at Roscoe. The money collected will be used to pave the parking lot at the ballpark. All season ticket holders will receive free parking by showing their game ticket.
Game Schedule Tuesday, July 7, 2009 - 1:05 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2009 - 7:05 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 7:05 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2009 - 7:05 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2009 -7:05 p.m.
Weekly Promotional Schedule July 6 - 2nd Cousins Appearance July 7 - Culver's Kids Day and FREE Clinic following the game; postgame appearance at Culver's in Roscoe July 8 - Megan Willis Poster Giveaway July 9 - Roscoe Appreciation Day July 10 - Breast Cancer Awareness Night; ½ price Bud Light drafts *Players will be wearing pink cleats for the game that will be auctioned off following the game with proceeds benefitting the OSF Foundation. July 11 - Clinic Series #3 and Bark in the Park Night; postgame appearance at RBIs Bar & Grill *Dogs will be admitted to the park for $3/each. Petco and the PAWS Humane Society will both be on site during the game.
Players to watch The first place Chicago Bandits have several players playing exceptionally well in 2009 and they are led by pitchers Eileen Canney and Kristina Thorson and rookie infielder Tammy Williams. Thorson and Canney sit no. 2 and no. 3 in the league with four and three wins respectively. Each pitcher is also in the Top 5 in both strikeouts and ERA this season. Offensively, Williams has been outstanding during her rookie season. She currently finds herself in the Top 5 in the Triple Crown categories; with her five home runs on the season have her in 2nd place behind teammate Samantha Findlay.
With Cat Osterman gone for the next 10 games the Thunder will rely very heavily on the right arm of pitcher Allison Kime. Kime currently is third in the league with a 1.67 ERA and she will need to continue her hot early start to keep the Thunder moving forward in 2009. On the offensive side of the field, Rockford will need the bats of Jenna Rhodes and Shanel Scott to come back to life. Rhodes and Scott, who are no. 1 and no. 2 in the league in stolen bases make the offense click when they get on to lead off the ball game setting the table for Lyndsey Angus and Shanna Diller.
Tickets Tickets for all five games of the series are available by contacting the Thunder office at (815) 965-7000. Tickets can also be purchased directly from the box office on the day of the game or by visiting www.etix.com. Ticket prices start at just $7/each.
For more information on the Thunder contact the Thunder at (815) 965-7000. For additional information on the team visit them on the web at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.
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