Thunder Series Preview
Published on July 14, 2009 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
ROCKFORD - The series with the Philadelphia Force couldn't have come at a better time for the Thunder as both teams look to snap long losing streaks. Rockford (9-11) enters the series with six consecutive losses, while Philadelphia (3-16) has lost seven straight and nine of 10.
The Thunder was swept in the last series they played against Chicago. Rockford hit the ball decent in the five games, as they had a team average of .252, but they were unable to come with a key hit in the series. The Thunder stranded 29 runners on base and hit just .156 (5-for-32) with runners in scoring position in the five losses.
Jenna Rhodes continued to impress the Rockford fans. In the five-game series she was 7-for-17 (.412 average) and she also stole two more bases.
Pitching in the series was also up and down against Chicago. The team had a 4.80 earned run average and allowed Chicago to hit .310 in the series. Walks continued to plague the pitching staff. They walked 16 hitters in 35 innings pitched and also managed just 16 strikeouts, eight of which were recorded by Allison Kime.
The Force was also swept in its last series, as they dropped all five games of the series to the Akron Racers.
Game Schedule
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 7:05 p.m.
Thursday, July 16, 2009 - 7:05 p.m.
Friday, July 17, 2009 - 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, July 18, 2009 -6:05 p.m.
Sunday, July 19, 2009 - 3:05 p.m.
Weekly Promotional Schedule
July 14 - Appearance at 2nd Cousins
July 15 - Military Appreciation Night; all military, police, fire, EMT personnel receive 2-for-1 tickets; Beer Koozie giveaway courtesy of mygofer.com
July 16 - Faith and Family Night
July 17 - Pack the Park Night; All tickets just $4; $1.50 price Budweiser Drafts; Jersey Silent Auction; Postgame Fireworks Show; Postgame party at RBIs Bar & Grill
July 18 - Fan Appreciation and Picture Night (fans bring cameras for pregame pictures with team); Team Poster Night; Fan Giveaways (includes: Boombah Bags, Ringor Cleats, Worth Bats, Gift Certificates to Magic Waters and more)
July 19 - Season Ticket Holder Day; Season ticket holders get chance to be on field for pre-game introductions.
Players to watch
The series with Philadelphia is a bit of a homecoming for four former Thunder players. Catchers DeDe Justice and Savannah Brown, as well as infielders Audrey (Rendon) LaFountain and Clare Burnum each played at least one season for the Thunder. Justice is currently the team leader in hits and RBIs and Burnum is second on the team with a .262 batting average.
The player's to watch this week for the Thunder are Shannon Nord at the plate and pitcher Cassidy Scoggins. Nord has seen time in 13 games, making eight starts and carries a .333 batting average, but she will be playing her final games this week against the Force. Nord will miss the final 15 games of the season and the playoffs in order to return to her teaching job in Louisville, Ky. Scoggins turned in the best stretch of pitching in her three-year career last week against the Bandits when she allowed just one earned run over 10 2/3 innings pitched. Scoggins, who appeared in all five games, allowed only three hits and held the Bandits to a .086 batting average.
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.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 14, 2009
- Thunder Series Preview - Rockford Thunder
- Opponents Named for Venezuelan Series - Chicago Bandits
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.
