Bandits earn first win

The Chicago Bandits picked up their first victory of the year, a 2-0 shutout of the Pennsylvania Rebellion, in the 2015 NPF season opener on Friday night at CONSOL Energy Park.

Kirsten Verdun got the call for the Bandits in the circle against the Rebellion starter, Angel Bunner. Both pitchers shut down any hopes of any early offensive start for either team, with no runs allowed through the first three innings. It was the Bandits who finally broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fourth.

Danielle Zymkowitz stepped to the plate, with the bases loaded, recording a ground-rule double to put the Bandits up by two runs. That was all the offense they would need as Verdun and the defense shut down the Rebellion for the remainder of the game.

Verdun allowed just six hits through seven innings while striking out five batters. In addition to the hitting by Zymkowitz, outfielder Brenna Moss went 2-for-4 at the plate in her regular season debut.

The Bandits and Rebellion will be back in action tomorrow at 6:05 p.m.