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RACERS RALLY IN 7TH
BUT FALL SHORT OF HEAT
Akron , Ohio – Despite
a seventh inning rally by the Akron Racers, the
Arizona Heat pulled out a 3-2 victory to earn a
split in the four-game series.
The Heat (3-5) posted all three of
its runs in the second inning off of Racers starter
Brandee McArthur. Third baseman Shelly Schultz
started off the frame by drawing a leadoff
walk. With Schultz on first the designated player
Shana Easley ripped a double down the left field
line past Akron's Kim Gonzalez. Schultz scored on
the play to give the Heat a 1-0 lead.
Following a single by LaDonia Hughes,
Easley advanced to third. Hughes made it two
players in scoring position for Kaleo Eldredge when
she stole second. Eldredge capitalized on the
opportunity by knocking a 2 RBI single to center,
extending the lead to 3-0.
The Racers (5-2) had trouble all
night getting the bats going. Heat pitcher Desiree
Serrano (2-0) pitched her second complete game of
the series to record the win.
Missing from the Racers' lineup this
evening was first baseman Oli Keohohou who
twisted her left ankle in pre-game warm-ups. The
slugger, who is tied for the team lead with two home
runs, is listed as day-to-day.
Even with Akron's struggles at the
plate the team had multiple scoring opportunities.
Serrano had control problems and walked six batters,
but the Racers were unable to deliver a clutch hit
and eight runners were left on base.
The Racers mounted a comeback attempt
in the bottom of the seventh when pinch hitter
Stephanie Pomes and centerfielder Iyhia McMichael, recorded
back-to-back hits to leadoff the inning.
With runners on second and third
Kristin Johnson skied a flyball to left that
was dropped by Eldredge allowing both Pomes and
McMichael to score, bringing the Racers within one
at 3-2. That was as close Akron would get.
Jenny Topping flew out to center and
Johnson was thrown out at second to complete a
doubleplay. Serrano then struckout Tracee McCoy to
end the game.
The Racers will go on the road for
the first time this season starting a four-game
series at Connecticut Thursday. Four Akron players
will not make the trip with the team as they are
headed for the National Team tryouts. Those players
are pitcher Jamie Southern, third baseman Crystl
Bustos, centerfielder Iyhia McMichael and catcher
Jenny Topping. The Heat will also send shortstop
Toni Mascarenas to tryout.
The team will return home Wednesday,
June 21st to take on the Chinese Taipei team.
Tickets for the 7:05 p.m. game are on sale now.
Please call the Akron Racers for more information at
330-376-8188.
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