RACERS WIN FIRST GAME IN SERIES AGAINST THE NETHERLANDS OLYMPIC TEAM

AKRON, Ohio—Whatever the Akron Racers’ hitters did over their three days off worked as they came out swinging Wednesday night to start their four game series against the Netherlands Olympic Team. The Racers put up their biggest scoring effort of the season with six runs as they defeated the Netherlands 6-4.

After going all series last week without a homerun, the Racers came out ready tonight and hit three over the fences.

Captain Kristen Butler, Hawaii product Kate Robinson and former Oklahoma Sooner Susan Ogden all hit solo shots during the game. The Racers faithful can only hope that this will mark a batting turnaround that is here to stay as none of the players had hit a homerun before this game.

Butler got the scoring started in the first inning when she hit an RBI double and later crossed the plate herself on a fielder’s choice.

The Racers also struck in the fourth inning when center fielder Jherica Williams reached on an infield single, stole second and third, and scored on left fielder Kellie Middleton’s pop out to the shortstop.

Angela Tincher, fresh off her no hitter of the Washington Glory, was in form once again on the mound for the Racers as she pitched five innings and gave up just one run. As usual, there was little excitement for the opposition as Tincher struck out eight and allowed only four hits. Her performance Wednesday night brings her strikeout total to 25 on just three appearances.

The Netherlands were not able to get to Tincher until the fourth inning when Kim Kluijskens bunted her way on and later scored on pitcher Anouk Mels’ fly out.

The Netherlands team did make it interesting during the bottom of the seventh as they scored two runs to make those in attendance just nervous enough to inch towards the edge of their seats. Their threat was ended, however, when reliever Jamee Jaurez was able to get through the last two Netherlands hitters without any more damage being done.

Kent State product Jessica Toocheck provided fans with the defensive play of the night when she successfully dove after a foul ball while running towards home in the top of the sixth inning.

The win raises to Racers’ record to 3-6 on the young season which places them sixth in the National Pro Fastpitch. They will face the Netherlands Olympic Team three more times before they play host to Canada’s Olympic Team next weekend.