Racers rookie Lexy Bennett hit her first home run, a solo blast, in her professional career with the Akron Racers (5-6) last night, putting the Racers up early in the ball game.
The Racers were the first team this season to crack Chicago Bandits’ pitcher Monica Abbott (4-1), putting up seven runs (the first earned runs all season) against the left-hander. It would not be enough, however, as the Bandits (8-3) rallied behind a Kristen Butler grand slam to win the game, 9-7.
Lisa Norris (1-2) started the night off in the pitching circle for the Racers, going 4.1 innings while allowing five hits and seven runs. Mineau stepped in after Norris loaded the bases in the fifth, pitching for 1.2 innings while allowing two hits and two runs.
The Bandits (8-3) really picked up the speed in the top of the fifth inning, with Nikki Nemitz hitting a two-RBI home run, Amber Patton gaining one RBI and Kristin Butler with her grand slam, giving the Bandits eight runs in one inning. Chicago was able to bat around against Norris and Mineau in the fifth.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Taylor Schlopy attempted to bring the Racers back after the Bandits’ eight run half with a three-RBI home run of her own.
The Racers added another come-back run in the bottom of the sixth, when Nicole Pauly stepped in to face off against Abbott as a pinch hitter for Brianna Hesson. Pauly blasted the first pitch out of the park for a solo home run of her own, bringing the score to 9-7 in favor of the Bandits.
Monica Abbott (5-0) pitched seven innings last night with six strikeouts, nine hits and seven runs. She has an ERA of 1.26 after yesterday's game.
Hillary Bach pitched one inning to close out the game for the Racers, allowing a fast turnover in an effort to come back in the bottom of the seventh. However, the Racers failed to pull through in the seventh leaving the score 9-7, Bandits.
For more information about the Akron Racers visit www.akronracers.org or call (330) 376-8188.
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