Bandits secure first place behind Abbot and Yamada
The final game of the series concluded today in dramatic fashion with a pitching duel featuring Olympians Monica Abbott (4-1, 0.24 ERA) and Cat Osterman (4-1, 0.85 ERA). Abbott and the Bandits ultimately prevailed with a 1-0 victory and took the series three games to one while securing first place in the NPF standings.
The Bandits threatened in the first inning after Eri Yamada and Alisa Goler both singled. Tammy Williams was then walked to load the bases. However, the Bandits failed to convert any runs as Osterman recorded a strikeout to end the inning.
Pitching continued to be the dominant factor throughout the second, third, and fourth innings, keeping the game scoreless. Both teams left runners stranded on base as Abbott and Osterman continued to consistently strike out batters.
The Bandits finally broke through and scored in the bottom of the fifth inning. Megan Wiggins was walked and Yamada's RBI double to left center field allowed her to score, making the score 1-0 heading into the sixth.
The Bandits threatened again in the sixth after a fielder's choice allowed Patton to get on base, she then stole second but was left stranded.
Abbott struck out three consecutive batters in the top of the seventh to end the game and improve her record to 4-1 this season. She recorded 12 strikeouts on the day, bringing her season total to 50.
Osterman threw 11 strikeouts, improving her season total to 61. Her record now stands at 4-1 this season as well.
The Bandits will look to stay atop the NPF standings as they travel to Akron, Ohio this week for a four game series against the Racers. The series is scheduled to begin Thursday June 27th with first pitch at 6:05 pm.
