2009-08-24
Racers Top Thunder in 1-0 Thriller
 AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Racers capitalized on a pair of Thunder errors, relied on solid defense and impressive pitching to defeat the Rockford Thunder, 1-0 at Firestone Stadium this afternoon.
Racers’ rookie Lisa Norris picked up the win for Akron, throwing all seven innings and allowing just two hits while recording eight strikeouts in her first NPF playoff outing.
Cat Osterman took the tough luck loss after surrendering three hits, four walks and notched 11 strikeouts.
The Racers wasted little time, picking up the lone run of the contest in the bottom of the first. A pair of errors on third baseman Jenae Leles enabled Crystl Bustos and Jenny Topping to reach first and second respectively. With two away, Katie Cochran delivered a clutch single through the right side to plate Bustos from second for the go ahead run.
In the top of the sixth, the Thunder threatened when Norris opened the frame issuing walks to Laurie Wagner and Chelsea Spencer. However, the hurler settled in, retiring the next batter with a pop-up, inducing a fielder’s choice and firing a strikeout to retire the side without damage.
Lyndsey Angus attempted to get things going for the Thunder atop the seventh, driving a two-out single over the head of Racers’ third baseman Jackie Pasquerella but Norris would retire the next batter on strikes to record the win.
Lisa Modglin led the Racers’ offense with a 2-for-3 day at the plate and also picked up a pair of stolen bases on the day.
Akron and Rockford faceoff in the second game of the best of three series this evening at approximately 8:45 pm (EST). Fans can catch the action at www.profastpitch.com for live streaming and gametracker links.
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