Racers Split Double Header

By Catrina Olsen

The Akron Racers split Tuesday’s double header at Firestone Stadium.

Game 1

Ashley Thomas started out the Racers offense with a solo homer. “I was just trying to set the table for your team. I was just trying to be on base.” Said Thomas about her home run.

The score remained 1-0 until Beijing was able to put two runs up against the Racers in the top of the fourth inning. Zhung Jing had a single followed by another single by Liu Fei Fei. They were brought in by a triple by Lu Ying.

The bottom of the fifth inning was a big inning for the Racers. They were able to put up five runs, three of which were driven in by Jennifer Gilbert who brought in Sami Fagan and Shellie Robinson.

Beijing was not able to answer.

The last run of game one came from Thomas who was brought in by an almost triple by Kristen Wyckoff.

Emily Weimen came in at the top of the fifth inning to relieve starting pitcher Jailyn Ford and shut the Eagles down. Weimen shut down Beijing quickly and effectively. Three up and three down for Weimen in three perfect innings of relief. “I felt really good, it was nice to get the win and keep it rolling.” Weimen said.

Game 2

The Racers’ luck quickly ran out with a 2-0 loss in the night cap of the double header against the Houston Scrap Yard Dawgs.

Monica Abbott was a force to be reckoned with. With 17 strike outs and only 1 hit, the Racers were not able to score.

The first run came from a home run over the fence from Dawgs lead off hitter, Nerissa Myers in the top of the first inning.

The second run came from Amanda Kamekona who pinch hit for the Dawgs in the top of the seventh. Kamekona was walked and brought in to score off an error.

The Racers had a strong defense and a strong pitching rotation. With Megan Betsa in the circle to start. Followed by Alexis Silkwood in the top of the third, who had three innings of 3 up and 3 down. Followed by Rachele Fico to close the game.

“Alexis has done that all season…, she’s a competitor, she’s going to fight, she wants the ball….She’s not intimidated by anybody.” Said Charlotte Morgan about Silkwood who came in clutch against the Dawgs.

The Racers, Dawgs and Eagles will all be in action at Firestone Stadium Wednesday.  Akron faces Beijing in the first game of a day-night doubleheader with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 p.m.  The Dawgs and Eagles will meet in the second game at 7:05 p.m.  For more information or to purchase tickets contact the Racers ticket office at 330-376-8188.