Walks allow Racers to run past Bandits

Too many walks by Chicago Bandits pitchers led to too many chances by the Akron Racers, who ran away with an 11-1 victory Wednesday afternoon at The Ballpark at Rosemont.

Chicago (7-3) sent rookie free agent pitcher Michelle Moses to the circle in the series finale and she made it through three innings without allowing any runs. In the fourth, however, she surrendered 5 runs on just 2 hits as Akron took control of the game.

After back-to-back one-out walks, Moses struck out pinch hitter Lexy Bennett and walked another batter before Sharonda McDonald hit the first pitch she saw in to center field for the first run of the game. Lisa Modglin, another one of Akron’s veterans, delivered a bases-clearing double to left field made the score 4-0 and chases Moses from the game. Akron would add another run in the fourth off reliever Meagan Denny-White before she was able to retire the side.

That was enough run support for Racers starter Kristina Thorson kept her former team at bay all day, surrendering just 1 run over 6 innings to improve her record to 3-2 on the season.

Akron (5-5) increased its lead in the fifth inning with two more runs and opened the game wide open with four additional runs in the sixth inning.

The Bandits would score their only run in the bottom of the fifth inning on an RBI single by Amber Patton. Patton finished the day perfect at the plate going 3-for-3 to improve her average to .333. Vangie Galindo and Adrienne Monka each picked up their first professional hit in the game for Chicago.

Chicago and Akron return to action on Saturday night for a two-game series in Ohio.