In the first ever Championship Series to be played in the Ballpark at Rosemont the number two seed, Chicago Bandits, faced off against the number three seed, Carolina Diamonds. The Bandits sent 2012 Pitcher of the Year, Monica Abbott (1-0) to the circle, as they took a 1-0 series lead in the best of three series which continues tomorrow night at 8:30 CDT.
Katie Burkhart (0-1) got the call for the Diamonds who took an early 1-0 lead off a solo home run by Bianca Mejia in the top of the second inning, but the Bandits would tie it up in the bottom of the inning off a Diamonds error allowing Patton to cross home plate.
Alisa Goler extended the lead as the Bandits went up 2-1 in the third after back to back doubles by her and Megan Wiggins. A Kristen Butler home run would give them a 4-1 lead heading into the fourth inning.
A pitching change in the fifth brought Morgan Melloh into the circle for the Diamonds and the Bandits responded with three straight hits, giving themselves a 7-1 lead. With the bases loaded, Whitney Larsen's blooper into right field made it 9-1, Bandits. Goler followed up with a double to center field giving the Bandits an 11-1 lead.
The Bandits brought in pitching duo, Nikki Nemitz and Chanda Bell, to close out the final two innings of the game giving the Bandits the victory and a 1-0 series lead over the Diamonds.
Game two will take place tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. as the Bandits look to secure their spot in the Championship.
To purchase tickets for game two of the series against the Diamonds, contact the box office at 877-722-6348.
For more information about the Bandits, visit www.chicagobandits.com [1].
