Bandits fall 2-1 in tournament opener

HOOVER, Ala. - Jessica Garcia doubled to drive home 2 runs in the sixth inning, and Lisa Norris pitched a complete game to lead the Akron Racers to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Bandits in the opening game of the NPF Championship Series at Hoover Met Stadium on Wednesday night. Game 2 of the best-of-three series is today at 8 p.m. on CBSsports.com.

The Bandits took the lead in the bottom of the first inning when Megan Wiggins led off with a double to left center, advanced to third on Amber Patton's groundout and scored on a passed ball.

Bandits veteran Monica Abbott retired 11 straight batters before Taylor Schlopy broke the streak in the fifth with a single, A sacrifice bunt by Kelley Montalvo moved Schlopy to second, but Abbott struck out Haley Outon and Ashley Thomas to end the inning.

In the sixth, the Racers' Jill Barrett singled and stole second and Charlotte Morgan walked before Garcia doubled to right-center to score both runners.

The Bandits loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh on hits by Tammy Williams, Brittany Cervantes and Alisa Goler but were unable to tie. The Bandits stranded five baserunners over the final two innings.

Norris allowed 1 run on 8 hits with 1 strikeout. Abbott pitched a complete game, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits with 10 strikeouts.