Zymkowitz, Marshall propel Bandits to season-opening win
The Chicago Bandits started their defense of the Cowles Cup with a 6-4 win Thursday against the Scrap Yard Dawgs, thanks largely in part to a 4-RBI performance from second baseman Danielle Zymkowitz.
Right fielder Sammy Marshall - who finished the game 1-for-2 with 2 runs, 2 walks and 1 RBI - said the win sets the tone for the rest of the season.
The Dawgs opened the scoring in the top of the second inning with a 2-out rally. Left fielder Emilee Koerner hit a 2-run home run that slipped just inside the right field foul pole that scored third baseman Bridgette del Ponte. She doubled in the previous at-bat.
The Bandits were quick to answer with runs of their own.
Marshall collected her first career RBI on a fielder's choice and Zymkowitz roped a grounder through the left side of the infield to score a pair.
"I was just trying to do the little things," Marshall said. "I just try to slow the game down and take it pitch-by-pitch. I was seeing the ball well tonight. Luckily I beat the throw out to get ourselves a hit and an RBI in that situation."
Michelle Gascoigne (1-0) tossed a complete game, allowing 10 hits while striking out six and walking five. She pitched around a 1-out, bases-loaded situation in the top of the seventh by collecting a strike out and fly out to end the game.
"Obviously being on this kind of a stage, there's always pressure," Marshall said. "I was just glad to get a run up on the board for Michelle."
The second of three games against the Scrap Yard Dawgs is set for 7:35 p.m. Friday.