It's the Fielders' night
The Lake County Fielders (24-33) exploded for 7 runs in the second inning - all they would need - to beat the first place Kansas City T-Bones 7-5 in front of 4,513 at the first night game at Fielders Stadium.
After Kansas City (38-21) jumped ahead early, the Fielders came firing back, sending 12 batters to the plate and loading the bases three separate times in their half of the second.
Juan Valdez, Brian McFall and Adam Hale each had 2 RBI in the key inning.
Fielders starting pitcher Zach Ward (4-5) battled through 5 innings, scattering 3 hits and 5 runs while striking out three and walking five to earn the win.
Bandits 8, Racers 6: The Chicago Bandits' use of the long ball helped them avoid a series sweep as they overcame 5 errors and a 4-run deficit to defeat the Racers at Firestone Stadium in Akron.
Nikki Nemitz (4-2) registered the win from the bullpen in 2 innings of work, surrendering 1 unearned run on a hit.
For the second time this series, Bandits leadoff batter Stacy May put the visitors in front on a solo home run, her league-leading 10th. The first-place Bandits improved to 20-12, building their lead back to 2 games.
- Jennie Finch is closing out her international softball career as a champion.
Caitlin Lowe had a 2-run triple, and the United States beat Japan 5-1 Monday night to win its fourth straight World Cup of Softball title in Finch's final game in red, white and blue.
Finch, 29, was pulled with two outs in the seventh and received a standing ovation as she headed into the dugout, stopping momentarily to wave to the crowd.
"My career has been way more than I possibly ever could have dreamt of or imagined," Finch said.
Loons 5, Cougars 0: After winning six straight series, the Kane County Cougars have lost two straight sets.
With their loss Monday night at Dow Diamond against the Great Lakes Loons, the Cougars (17-13, 49-50) finished a six-game trip through Michigan with a 1-5 mark. They were swept in Lansing and lost two of three against Great Lakes.
JackHammers 12, Flyers 1: Joliet picked up 2 early runs and never trailed in a victory over Schaumburg at Alexian Field. Bear Bay (5-4) got the win for Joliet, tossing his first complete game this season as the JackHammers improved to 32-27. Alan Quijano (2-6) suffered the loss for the Flyers (22-38).
• On Sunday, a 10-run eighth inning, punctuated by Justin Justice's go-ahead 3-run homer, gave the Winnipeg Goldeyes a convincing 12-9 win against the Flyers at Canwest Park.