NASHVILLE, Tenn (June 20, 2010) – The final game of the series against the USSSA Pride was held today at Draper Diamond. The Diamonds were eager to get a win. The first three games were close, but the Diamonds were unable to put together enough hits to rally past the Pride.
Defense was the key for both teams today. In the bottom of the first, left-fielder Jessica Mendoza made a leaping catch to prevent Chelsea Spencer from earning a base hit. The Pride tried to start a rally in the third inning by getting their first two batters aboard by a hit by pitch and a base hit from Alissa Haber. The Diamonds were able to bear down on defense. Natasha Watley hit a hard shot down the third-base line, but the Diamonds’ third baseman, Loryn Johnson, was able to get a glove on it, causing a force-out at third base. Monica Abbott continued to battle her way out of innings, as the Pride threatened again in the fourth, but could not produce any runs.
In the fifth inning, the bottom half of the Diamonds line-up went to work. Catcher Shannon Doepking led off the inning with a double to left-field. Second baseman Chelsie Mesa was able to lay down the perfect sacrifice bunt to push pinch-runner, Aubree Brattin to third base. The Diamonds failed to score as the next three batters grounded out. In the sixth inning, the Diamonds had another scoring opportunity. Chelsea Spencer gapped a double down right field line. Megan Gibson was able to reach first on a fielding error by Natasha Watley. The Pride’s pitcher, Desiree Serrano, was able to retire the side and hold the Diamonds scoreless.
The game was still scoreless after seven innings. In the ninth, a couple of errors against the Diamonds allowed the Pride to get into scoring position. Runners were at first and third when Lauren Lappin laid down the squeeze bunt. Pinch-runner, Jessica Williams hustled towards home and was called safe on a very controversial call at the plate. The Pride was able to push one more run across on a sacrifice fly from Charlotte Morgan. The Diamonds had a chance in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game, but the Pride defense held their ground and left the Diamonds scoreless.
Monica Abbott gets the loss for the Diamonds giving up two runs, five hits, one walk, and striking out nine. Desiree Serrano gets the win for the Pride giving up zero runs, five hits, two walks, and striking out four.
About USSSA Florida Pride:
The USSSA Florida Pride is a professional franchise in the National Pro Fastpitch League that is owned and operated by USSSA. The amateur organization of USSSA has multi-sport coverage and encompasses teams and players from the United States and abroad.
About NPF:
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.
About USSSA:
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World’s Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!
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