Bandits toss combined perfect game in doubleheader sweep of Spirit

Shelby Turnier, Aleshia Ocasio and Paige Lowary combined to deliver a perfect game as part of a doubleheader sweep against the Aussie Spirit on Sunday at Parkway Bank Sports Complex.

Turnier, in her first start of the 2018 season after a stretch of impressive relief efforts, didn't allow a baserunner in three innings of work. The right-handed rookie Ocasio entered in relief and continued the momentum. She tossed 14 of her 16 pitches for strikes across two frames before giving way to fellow rookie Paige Lowary. The former Oklahoma standout southpaw and No. 1 selection in the 2018 NPF Draft sealed the perfect game by striking out three in a pair of shutout innings.

Former Bandits catcher Taylah Tsitsikronis grounded out to second baseman Abby Ramirez for the 21st out in the 8-0 victory.

The perfect game marked the first for the franchise since Monica Abbott accomplished the feat July 23, 2015, in a singular effort against the Dallas Charge.

A 3-run home run off the bat of Sammy Marshall and a 3-hit day at the plate by rookie Jessie Scroggins provided plenty of offensive support to the combined effort in the circle.

Natalie Hernandez, Kristyn Sandberg and Nadia Taylor also contributed run-scoring hits in the win.

The Bandits collected a win earlier in the day, as well, although not in convincing fashion. Right-hander Lacey Waldrop supplied an impressive performance out of the bullpen to earn her second win of the season. The fourth-year pro entered in relief of Rachele Fico, who worked through the first three frames before running into the trouble in the fourth. Fico departed with runners on second and third and nobody out before Waldrop managed to work out of the jam and preserve the Bandits' 2-1 advantage.

Waldrop cruised through the final three innings, allowing just a single hit and striking out a pair.

The eventual game-winning run came across to score in the fourth off a bases-loaded groundout from Sammy Marshall.