Both Monica Abbott and Keilani Ricketts made their season debuts for their respective teams as Abbott got the start in the circle for Chicago while Ricketts got the call for the Pride. Each pitcher was returning to the NPF following their time overseas playing in the Japan Softball League.
Abbott, the 2012 NPF Pitcher of the Year, wasted no time asserting her dominance, while Ricketts struggled early, giving up three runs on five hits in the first two innings.
Cervantes opened the scoring in the first inning with RBI number 19 on the season to score Danielle Zymkowitz, giving the Bandits a 1-0 lead.
Back-to-back RBI doubles by Amber Patton and Emily Allard gave the Bandits a three run lead in the second. Ricketts finished out the second but was replaced by Blaire Luna in the third.
Luna didn’t fair much better giving up four runs on four hits, including a Kristen Butler three run shot to left field that gave the Bandits a seven run lead in the fifth. Following the Butler home run, Jordan Taylor came on in relief of Luna to finish out the game.
The Pride threatened in the top of the top of the fourth with GiOnna DiSalvatore on base when Kristen Sandberg doubled by DiSalvatore was thrown out at home, keeping the Pride off the scoreboard.
Abbott picked up her first win of the season with tonight’s shutout, giving up just four hits while striking out seven. Ricketts suffered the loss.
After the game tomorrow, Sunday, June 15 there will be a partial team autograph session with following players:
