Thunder Win on Walk-Off Squeeze Bunt
July 15, 2009 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
July 15, 2009 - ROSCOE, Ill. - The Thunder and the Force each needed a win to snap long losing streaks, but it was the Thunder coming through on Wednesday night, as they defeated Philadelphia by a final score of 1-0.
The game was scoreless for the first seven innings and neither team had much of a chance to score. That all changed when the game went to extra innings.
In the top of the eighth inning the Force (3-17) loaded the bases with nobody out to chase Thunder starter Allison Kime from the game. The Thunder went to Cassidy Scoggins in the jam and with the help of some outstanding defense the team was able to get out of the inning without a run coming across the plate.
In the inning Chelsea Spencer made two incredible plays to retire Force runners at the plate and then Shanel Scott took at least a double away from Brette Reagan when she caught a deep fly ball against the fence.
The Thunder (10-11) loaded the bases in their half of the eighth inning, setting the table for Spencer. After failing to get the squeeze bunt down on the first pitch of the bat, Spencer and the Thunder went right back to it on the 1-1 count. And this time Spencer succeeded getting the bunt down to drive in Jenna Rhodes from third base to win the game.
The win for the Thunder was its first since June 20 when they defeated the USSSA Pride 1-0. The run in the eighth inning was the Thunder's first in the last 22 innings.
Kime went the first seven innings and allowed no runs and five hits. She did strike out seven in the game. Scoggins picked up the win to improve to 2-2 on the season.
Jessica Sallinger started for Philadelphia and went five full innings before giving way to Megan Gibson. Gibson (0-4) allowed the one run in the game and it was unearned due to an error Rhodes' ground ball to start the inning.
The same two teams will return to action on Thursday night for game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and Samantha Sheeley is expected to take the ball in the circle for the Thunder.
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.
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