RACERS DROP THIRD STRAIGHT CONTEST: FALL TO 1-5

Thursday night’s game between the Washington Glory and Akron Racers pitted two teams both eyeing a win but for different reasons. The Glory needed the win to move to first place in the NPF, while the Racers wanted to try and get on the winning side of things to gain momentum for the first time.

Akron was unable to overcome the Washington offense and dropped their third straight game, 5-0.

In the first inning, both teams were able to get runners on base, but neither was able to capitalize. Washington right fielder Nicole Barber doubled to start the game but the Glory were unable to bring her around to score. The Racers then started a two-out rally with a single by first baseman Kate Robinson and a walk by designated player Kristen Butler but were unable to plate either runner.

After the inning came to a close, the pitchers for both teams took control. Lisa Ferguson of Washington and Racer starter Angel Shamblin both worked scoreless second and third innings.

In the fourth, the Glory struck first on a three-run home run by third baseman, Sara Larquier. Oli Keohohou then hit a sacrifice fly to score LaDonia Hughes in the following inning to take a 4-0 lead.

The Glory then scored on an error by left fielder Kim Hamilton when a fly ball hit by pinch-hitter Jessica Moore bounced off her glove in fair territory, rolled along the fence and fell out of play in foul territory, making it a two base error by rule. Amber Jackson of the Glory scored on the play.

Meanwhile Lisa Ferguson was dominant, working a complete game shutout, and holding the Racers to just four hits, and striking out five.

Shamblin lasted 4.1 innings and got the loss for the Racers, allowing 4 earned runs and striking out three while walking three. Jamee Juarez then closed out the game, pitching 2.2 innings, allowing only one unearned run, no hits and walking two.

Sara Larquier was 1 for 3 for Washington, with three runs batted-in on her home run in the fourth inning.

Norrelle Dickson, Kate Robinson, Kristen Butler and Shannon Doepking had hits for Akron.