Chicago Bandits fall 3-2 in 10 innings
If Monday night's extra-inning thriller was any indication of how the season series between the Bandits and Pride will go, NPF fans are certainly in for a treat. The first meeting in 2015 between the two rivals lasted 10 innings, with the Pride winning 3-2.
With one out in the 10th, Pride center fielder Megan Wiggins beat out an infield single to score Madison Shipman, who had started the inning on second base in accordance with the international tiebreaker rule for games lasting into the 10th inning. That would be the winning run as the Bandits failed to answer in the bottom half of the frame.
However, there were some bright spots for the Bandits, who nearly completed the comeback after falling behind early 2-0. Bandits starter Sara Moulton surrendered those 2 runs on 6 hits over 3 innings before departing in lieu of Kirsten Verdun, who turned in a terrific relief performance. Verdun tossed 5⅓ shutout innings in the circle and maneuvered her way out of numerous jams.
"I really take pride in pitching with runners on base and I was able to do that today," Verdun said.
In her first inning of work, Verdun faced runners on second and third with nobody out but was able to escape without allowing a run. The Pride placed a runner in scoring position in the fifth and loaded the bases in the sixth, but Verdun stood tall and worked out of each dangerous situation with no damage done.
Verdun (1-for-4, RBI), who also excels at the plate for the Bandits, had started the game as the team's designated player and helped her own cause in the fourth inning when she came through with an RBI-single to get the Bandits on the board.
"I love that I can help my offense and I can contribute when I'm on the mound," Verdun said. "Anything I can do to help my team win. That's the goal."
Unfortunately for Verdun, her efforts weren't enough for the Bandits to pull out the victory and the Pride won it in the 10th with Verdun's night complete. Monica Abbott (3-1) was settled with the loss.
"I think that it was a great game today," Verdun said. "We just need to keep grinding."
The Bandits and Pride will meet again Tuesday for the second game in this four-game set. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.