2009-08-01
Racers Extend Winning Streak with 4-3 Win over Pride
 AKRON, Ohio - The Akron Racers continued their winning ways Saturday night at Firestone Stadium with a complete team victory over the USSSA Pride 4-3. The win extended the Racers' current winning streak to five games, all of which have occurred at home. To earn the victory, Akron needed solid pitching from Brittany Weil, starting for the second straight game, and Kate Robinson, who came on in relief. The Racers also received some clutch hitting from Sari-Jane Jenkins and Jenny Topping.
Akron received some help in the bottom of the first inning from the Pride to open the scoring. Jenkins hit a ground ball to shortstop Amber Jackson, who misplayed the ball and allowed Jenkins to reach safely. After a stolen base and a bunt single by Jackie Pasquerella, the Racers had runners on the corners with two outs. Topping then hit a ground ball to Jackson and again the Pride shortstop booted the ball into the outfield. Jenkins scored on the second error giving Akron a 1-0 lead.
The Racers' starter Weil kept the score there for the first three innings, allowing only two hits and a walk to that point. However, the Pride would break through to knock Weil out of the game in the top of the fourth inning. Jackson led off with a solo home run to left field that snapped a nine inning scoreless streak for Weil. Oli Keohohou singled on a line drive off of Weil. Keohohou would be the last batter Weil faced, leaving the game with a 1-1 tie and a runner on first base. The Pride worked the bases loaded with two outs against Robinson, but the Racer pitcher got Jessica Williams to strike out to end the threat.
Akron would jump ahead for good in the bottom of the fifth inning as Jenkins led off with a base hit back up the middle. The Pride intentionally walked Crystl Bustos and Pasquerella sacrificed the runners to second and third base. With runners on second and third and one out, Topping stepped to the plate and doubled to center field to bring home both Jenkins and Bustos and give Akron a 3-1 lead.
The Racers picked up an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Jamee Juarez kick started things with a base hit to left field. Juarez then stole second and on the steal Pride catcher Shannon Doepking hit Juarez in her slide. The ball bounced away and Juarez sped into third base. Kenora Posey followed with a bouncer to third base, when third baseman Jessica Dignon looked home and hesitated for a moment both Juarez and Posey were able to reach safely.
The insurance run would prove to be valuable as the Pride mounted a comeback in the top of the seventh inning. Kelly Kretschman blasted a two run home run to right field that scored herself and Jessica Williams to cut the score to 4-3 Racers. Robinson would finish strong, striking out Kristin Schnake and Jackson for the final two outs of the game.
Robinson picked up the win for Akron allowing two runs on three hits and two walks in four innings. The Racer reliever also managed to strike out five of the 17 batters she faced.
Sarah Pauly picked up a tough loss for the Pride as she allowed four runs, three earned, on seven hits and two walks in six innings. Pauly also struck out four Racers on the night. The loss marks the fourth straight game that a Pride starter has picked up a complete game loss at the hands of the Racers.
The Racers look to complete the five game sweep of the Pride Sunday afternoon at 2:05 PM. The game is the final home game of the 2009 regular season and the last chance to see the Racers at Firestone Stadium before the 2009 NPF Championship series in Akron, August 20-23.
To purchase tickets to tomorrow's game call the Racers' ticket office at (330)376-8188 or order the tickets online at www.akronracers.org. |
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