By Catrina Olsen
“Hitting is contagious,” stated Akron Racer Maddy Grimm after her team’s 15-2 landslide victory on Sunday afternoon over the Beijing Shougang Eagles. One hit after another, complemented by great defense and effective pitching.
The Racers were quick to jump on the board with the first run of the game, when Ashley Thomas homered in the bottom of the first.
Shellie Robinson delivered another homer for Akron in the bottom of the second, giving the Racers a two-run cushion early.
Beijing was finally able to get on the board in the third, as Liu Yi Ning and Yuan Hui Ning each singled. Both Liu Yi Ning and Yuan Hui Ning scored on a two-run triple by Liu Li Li, which tied the game at two.
The tie did not last long, as the Racers were able to match the two runs with two of their own. Sami Fagan started the inning off with a single, followed by another single by Robinson. Jennifer Gilbert was able to drive both S. Fagan and Robinson in, building the lead back up to two runs.
The Racers were able to put up another run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Kristen Wycoff stared off the inning with a slap to reach first base. Wycoff then stole second and took third on a throwing error by Beijing, as the ball landed in center field. Wycoff was then brought in by an RBI single by Thomas, making it 5-2.
The Racers busted out the bats in the bottom of the sixth inning. They were able to put up ten more runs in the bottom of the sixth. Four of those runs came courtesy of a grand slam by Grimm. The merry-go-round continued all inning long, as Akron did not let off the gas pedal and the Racers earned a dominating 15-2 win.
“As soon as one person starts hitting, two people hit, and then the whole line up is hitting all of the sudden, just because it creates confidence within the whole team, not just within one player but within the whole team.” Thomas said about Akron’s offense.
Jailyn Ford picks up the win on the mound, as she went four innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits, striking out two. Alexis Silkwood pitched one shutout inning of relief and Aimee Creger worked two scoreless innings, as well to finish the game.
The Racers (7-8) will be at home on Tuesday, June 27th for a split double header. The first game will be against the USSSA Pride at 5:05 PM followed by a second game against the Chicago Bandits at 7:05.
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