Chicago Bandits blast Boomers 7-3

AKRON, Ohio - The Bandits began their quick two-game set against the Akron Racers with a 7-3 win Tuesday night at Firestone Stadium.

Natalie Hernandez (1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI), delivered a clutch 3-run home run over the right field fence, which proved to be the ultimate blow, but a steady dose of early offense got the Bandits off and running in Akron (5-3).

Thanks to 3 early errors and RBI singles from former Racer Jill Barrett (3-for-4, RBI, R) and Danielle Zymkowitz (1-for-3, RBI), the Bandits built a 3-0 lead before Akron (5-3) responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third.

Barrett has now collected multiple hits in seven games this season.

Bandits' starter Shelby Turnier (1-1), who earned her first professional victory, tossed 4⅔ strong innings in just her second start of the season. The No. 11 overall selection in the 2016 NPF Draft allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, while only walking one.

Lacey Waldrop replaced Turnier in the circle with two outs in the fifth after an RBI single from Racers rookie shortstop Sami Fagan cut the deficit to 6-3. Waldrop maneuvered out of the jam with a soft fielder's choice to end the inning.

Taylor Edwards (2-for-4, HR, 2R) added some insurance for the Bandits in the seventh, crushing a solo shot to left for her second home run of the season. Waldrop shut the door in the bottom half of the frame to finish off a 2-plus inning save, the second of her career.

The Bandits, now 6-4 on the season, will complete their five-game road trip in Akron Wednesady with first pitch set for 6:05 p.m.