2010-07-23
Akron Racers Host Chicago Bandits in Three-Game Set
 Racers Host First Place Bandits
AKRON, Ohio (July 23, 2010) – The Akron Racers look to snap a three-game skid in the National Pro Fastpitch league as they face the Chicago Bandits for the second-straight week, July 24-26 at Firestone Stadium.
RacerNation Roundup…
Akron won three out of four against the USSSA Pride before heading to the Cat Osterman Experience in Nebraska where they suffered three losses against the Bandits. Currently, Jackie Pasquerella leads the team with a .339 batting average, entering the weekend with 19 hits and six RBI. Since returning to the lineup, Olympian Crystl Bustos (.288, 15 hits, 6 RBI) has catapulted into the lead for most walks on the team with 11 while Sam Ricketts (.247, 19 hits, 15 RBI) leads the team with 15 RBI.
In the circle, Lisa Norris (9-3, 1.96 ERA) continues to dominate and still leads the league with nine wins and is second with 78 strikeouts. Taryne Mowatt (2-2) earned her second win of the season in a key game against the Pride while Jamee Juarez (4-6) ranks third on the leader board with 60 Ks.
Scouting the Chicago Bandits…
The Chicago Bandits are riding a hot streak of late, entering the series as the league leader, three and a half games in front of the Racers. As winners of eight of their last 10 games, the Bandits handed Akron its only series sweep on the season, doing so in Omaha, Neb. at the Cat Osterman Experience last week. The Bandits walked away with a 6-4 win in game one, took a 6-5 decision in nine innings in game two before breaking out the brooms with a decisive 8-2 victory in game three.
Despite losing US National team members Eileen Canney, Jennie Finch and Ashley Holcombe to the KFC World Cup of Softball, the Bandits’ lineup is not phased. Samantha Findlay (.300, 24 hits, 21 RBI) has found her groove and now leads the league with nine homers and 21 RBI. Stacy May (.391, 36 hits, 20 RBI) and Rachel Folden (.378, 28 hits, 17 RBI) are also big-time contributors to a high voltage offensive lineup which enters the series with a league-leading .277 batting average, including 218 hits and 116 RBI.
Promotions:
Saturday, July 24 – Together Against Breast Cancer Night
Sunday, July 25 – PONY Opening Ceremonies/Mardi Gras Night #3/Pepsi Kids’ Day
Monday, July 26 – Monday Night in Mexico/Racer Bug Giveaway (first 500 fans)
For more information or tickets, please visit www.akronracers.org. Those unable to make it to Firestone Stadium can follow along from home by watching live on MLB.com with a $19.95 season-long subscription or live stats via www.pointstreak.com. |
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