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Waldrop, Bandits Earn Series-Opening Win over Pride

August 4, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) News Release


ROSEMONT, IL - Behind the arm of Lacey Waldrop, the Bandits topped the league-leading USSSA Pride in Wednesday night's series opener at The Ballpark at Rosemont. With the win, the Bandits moved into third place in the league standings, based on the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Akron Racers (Bandits lead series 6-4).

Waldrop (W, 5-3) tossed back-to-back scoreless frames to open up the ballgame, but was equaled by her counterpart, Chelsea Thomas (L, 6-2), who shut down the Bandits (21-22) offensive attack through two. However, the Bandits combined for three runs in the third and fourth innings on four hits, including RBI-base knocks from Brittany Cervantes (1-for-4, RBI) and Taylor Edwards (2-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 BB).

"I was just having fun, getting my foot down early and seeing the ball out of the pitcher's hand," Edwards said.

The Pride (32-12) were unable to answer back against Waldrop, who had plenty of support with the three-run cushion. In just her second start since June 24, Waldrop turned in a scoreless effort, working into the sixth inning, while scattering five hits and striking out five.

"(Lacey's) plan was to attack hitters, throw strikes and make the batters put the ball in play," Edwards said. "This is our home field so we just go right at the hitters."

Although Waldrop was in control, the Pride did not go quietly. USSSA brought the tying run to the plate in the sixth and knocked the second-year pro out of the game. Rookie Morgan Foley entered the circle with two on and nobody out, but wiggled out of the jam by getting the next three batters out.

Michelle Gascoigne (SV, 5) earned her team-high fifth save of the season by tossing a 1-2-3 seventh frame while striking out a pair.

"Every game we play against (USSSA) is competitive," Edwards said. "We were able to get momentum on our side tonight."

The Bandits will have a chance to clinch the series tomorrow with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CST. With a win, the Bandits would also assure themselves of an above-.500 record at The Ballpark at Rosemont in 2016. Tomorrow's game will be broadcast on NPFTV.

Gosling's Rum Recap Notes * With a one-out double in tonight's game, Kristen Brown has reached base in all six of her games against the Pride this season. - The Bandits are 14-4 when scoring first - Edwards has hit .667 with bases loaded this season (4-for-6). Additionally, she leads the team with 19 two-out RBI. - Tonight's attendance was 1,427, marking the 19th time this season in which the Bandits hosted a crowd of 1,000 or more fans at The Ballpark at Rosemont. BOX SCORE



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