RACERS ONE-HIT BY DENSO JAPAN, LOSE FIFTH STRAIGHT
 

Akron, Ohio - The Akron Racers returned to Firestone Stadium Wednesday night but it wasn't home-sweet-home for the defending National Pro Fastpitch champions. The Racers (13-11) managed only one hit, and were retired in order in six of the seven innings, in a 1-0 loss to the Denso Japan Pro Team.

The sole scoring opportunity for Akron came in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases with nobody out. first baseman Oli Keohohou led off the frame with a single up the middle. Keohohou's hit ended Denso Japan's starting pitcher, Mika Someya's bid for a perfect game.

Knowing baserunners were scarce and scoring chances limited, Kim Gonzalez came on to pinch run and immediately made an impact by stealing second. Kristen Butler was hit by a pitch and laneta Le'i reached on an error after a sacrifice bunt attempt to load the bases for Amber Hall.

The Racers could not take advantage of the situation.

Hall grounded back to pitcher Someya's who easily threw home for the force and the first out of the inning. With the bases still full pinch hitter Stephanie Pomes swung and missed on a hit and run leaving Butler caught too far off third and the second out was recorded. Pomes then grounded out to the shortstop to end the inning.

Those would be the only baserunners Someya would allow the entire game. She pitched a complete game shutout, giving up only one hit, while striking out five.

Brandee McArthur (3-4) pitched well for the Racers but the one run she allowed in the first inning proved to be enough. Mayuko Matsuo hit a grounder past a diving Sara Larquier at third to score Kumi Kinugasa, plating the only run of the contest.

McArthur pitched a complete game and struckout eight, allowing four hits, three walks and two hit batters. After getting swept in a four-game-series in Chicago, the Racers have now lost five straight.

The two teams will match-up again Thursday in a 7:05 game, as well as all remaining 2006 home contests. Fans can contact the Racer's ticket office at 330-376-8188 for more information.