Kaylyn Castillo blasted the first home run of her career in the second inning with a three-run home run to left field, giving the Akron Racers (3-1) a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the second against the Carolina Diamonds.
The Akron Racers added five more runs to defeat the Diamonds, 9-2, in a Sunday afternoon matchup. Danielle Spaulding (0-1) started in the circle against the Racers, allowing no runs and no hits with one strikeout in the first.
Spaulding’s pitching faded in the second inning after an RBI single by Taylor Schlopy and Castillo following that up with the home run. From the second through fourth innings, the Diamonds were unsuccessful at stopping the Racers offense from the circle, allowing nine runs and seven hits.
Racers’ first baseman, Nicole Trimboli, got in on the offensive action, hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning, bringing the score to 9-0 in favor of the Racers.
In the middle of the fourth the Diamonds brought Sharon Palma in to pitch, and she proceeded to finish the game with a strong pitching effort, allowing no hits and no runs.
The Diamonds finally made their mark in the fifth inning when catcher Rachel Folden hit a two-run home run to center field, bringing the score to 9-2.
Akron Racers’ starting pitcher Kristina Thorson (1-1) improved greatly since opening night, allowing only two runs on six hits, one walk and four strikeouts, making her the game winner.
The Diamonds’ had it rough in the pitching circle today, allowing nine runs on seven hits, three walks, three HBPs and six strikeouts. Racers catcher Sam Marder had it especially rough this weekend, taking four HBPs from the Diamonds in only four games.
The Akron Racers and USSSA Florida Pride will play game five of a three-game weekend series June 14 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
For more information about the Akron Racers visit www.akronracers.org or call (330 376-8188.
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