KANSAS CITY, MO (July 10, 2017) — A change of scenery made a world of difference for the Charge Monday against the USSSA Pride.
After being swept by the Pride in a three-game series in Miami over the weekend, Texas (13-15) secured its first win of the season against USSSA (20-4) by a score of 7-4 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Charge jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the contest and used a four-run bottom of the fourth to pull away for good.
Lauren Haeger got things going by belting a two-run homer to right field in the bottom of the first. Kristyn Sandberg added a solo shot one inning later to extend Texas’ lead to 3-0.
The fireworks continued two frames later when Koral Costa delivered an RBI single and Bailey Landry blasted a three-run shot to center field.
Seven runs were more than enough support for the Charge’s pitching staff. Coley Ries earned the triumph after throwing four innings in relief of Emily Vincent, who tossed a scoreless first frame. Ries allowed four runs on six hits.
Brittany Mack-Oakes and Dallas Escobedo each threw one shutout inning to help Texas hold on for the victory.
The Pride’s Keilani Ricketts took the loss after surrendering three runs on six hits in three innings from the pitcher’s circle. Reliever Jessica Burroughs was roughed up for four runs on five hits in her two frames of work.
The Charge’s balanced offensive effort was paced by leadoff hitter Taylor Gadbois, who finished 3 for 4 with two runs scored. The University of Missouri alum is now batting a team-best .349 for the season.
Haeger and Sandberg each went 2 for 3 in the win, while Renada Davis was 1 for 1 with a run scored.
Texas racked up 11 total hits as a team.
The Charge and Pride are set to meet again Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. in Kansas City.
Quick Facts
Attendance: 6, 739
Game Time: 7:05 PM CT
The Texas Charge are an affiliate professional fastpitch softball team competing in the National Pro Fastpitch league. The team, headquartered in New Braunfels, TX, began competition in the league in 2015. The Charge provides elite softball players the opportunity to pursue a professional career and inspire the next generation of professionals. Located in the Austin area, the Charge organization and its players are committed to demonstrating leadership in community involvement, entertainment, and professionalism. Follow the Texas Charge at www.texascharge.net
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2002, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in diamond sports beyond their collegiate success. The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Akron Racers, Beijing Shougang, Chicago Bandits, Scrap Yard Dawgs, Texas Charge and USSSA Florida Pride for the 2017 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada and China among which are the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.
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