Bandits fall 5-2 to Racers

AKRON, Ohio - It looked like the Bandits would return to their winning ways Friday night in Game 2 of the series against Akron, but Haley Outon had other ideas.

With 2 outs in the bottom of the seventh and a bases-loaded situation for the Racers, she blasted a grand slam over the left field wall to give the Racers a 5-2 victory for the second straight victory over the Bandits.

Michelle Gascoigne stepped into the circle for the Bandits against Lisa Norris for the Racers.

The Bandits jumped out to an early lead in the top of the second when Megan Blank doubled down the right field line to score Taylor Edwards who singled to get on base earlier in the inning. A ground out by AJ Andrews scored Patton who had reached on an error to put the Bandits up 2-0 heading to the bottom of the inning.

Akron cut their deficit in half in the bottom of the inning when Nerissa Myers singled to lead off the inning. She came around to score on a Kelley Montalvo triple, but the Bandits maintained their 2-1 lead through the bottom of the seventh.

Jill Barrett doubled while Nerissa Myers drew a walk with Shellie Robinson reaching on a fielder's choice to load up the bases for Haley Outon. Her two out, grand slam secured the 5-2 walk off win for the Racers.

Gascoigne took the loss for the Bandits, her first of the season allowing five runs on eight hits with five strikeouts. Norris picked up the win for the Racers allowing just two runs on nine hits with two strikeouts.

Both teams return to the field on Saturday for the series finale at 6:05 p.m.