Finch, Bandits shutout Pride to take series finale 3-0
ORLANDO - For the fifth consecutive game of the series, the Chicago Bandits (24-13) scored first; this time with a run in the top of the third on an RBI single from Bandits third baseman Stacy May, driving Emily Friedman, who had reached on an error, across the plate.
The Bandits would move on to score two more runs, taking a 3-0 victory over the USSSA Florida Pride (18-17), marking the fourth straight victory for Chicago. The win moved Chicago 2.5 games ahead of the Akron Racers (20-14) in first place, however the Racers play two games against the Tennessee Diamonds (8-26) Sunday afternoon. The very next inning, in the top of the fourth, Bandits rookie Angela Findlay blasted an RBI double off the left centerfield wall, scoring Jennie Finch from second base for a 2-0 Bandits lead.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the field, Jennie Finch (5-1) was wheeling and dealing to the Florida batters, racking up nine strikeouts and one walk en route to the complete game five-hit shutout victory. Finch was backed up by some excellent defense all around, but especially up the middle by Vicky Galindo who came through with a pair of diving stops on hard grounders.
Emily Friedman opened up the sixth inning with a leadoff solo home-run over the left-centerfield wall, giving the Bandits and Finch all they would need to seal the deal against the Pride.
The Pride attempted to mount a comeback in the bottom of the seventh, putting runners in scoring position on both second and third, but Finch was able to strikeout pinch hitter Caitlin Lowe to end the game and give the Bandits the 3-0 victory and a 4-1 lead on the series. Offensively, Stacy May led Chicago with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate with one RBI. Angela Findlay, Galindo and Friedman recorded the other hits for Chicago with Findlay and Friedman getting RBIs out of the hits as well.
The Bandits return home on August 3 to battle the Indiana Slammers at Thillens Stadium in Chicago, Ill. Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at the gate or over the phone by calling 877-7BANDIT. Thillens Stadium is located at 6404 N. Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, Ill. For more information on the Chicago Bandits, visit www.chicagobandits.com.
