Brakettes Top VIP's 9-0; Second Game Called in Third Inning Due to Rain

June 13, 2009 - The Stratford Brakettes defeated the Topton VIP's 9-0 in a run-rule shortened game at Lyons Field in Lyons, PA, Saturday night. The second game of the scheduled doubleheader was called due to torrential downpours in the middle of the third inning, with the Brakettes up 8-0.

Bailey Sanders allowed just one hit, an infield single to leadoff hitter Toni DiFillipo in the first inning, en route to her third victory of the season. She struck out eight VIP's, and walked none. Sanders had a streak of 17 consecutive innings with at least one strikeout snapped in the fourth. She retired the last 11 batters she faced.

Leadoff hitter Carly Normandin impressed in her Brakettes debut, lacing a single to start the game. She walked in the third inning, stole second base, and scored on a double to right center by Jenna Lopez. Denise Denis followed with a bloop double, and Lopez advanced to third, after making sure it would drop in.

Jess Mouse then surprised Topton with a perfectly placed suicide squeeze bunt. Lopez scored on the play easily, and Denis came home from second base after an errant throw, giving the Brakettes a 3-0 lead.

Jess Serio doubled in the third with one out, and Mandie Fishback picked up a single, sending Serio to third base. Fishback advanced to second on the throw. Lopez then delivered her second hit of the night, scoring Serio for a 4-0 lead.

Denis came up after Lopez and put the game out of reach, lining a three-run inside-the-park homer to right center. It was her second home run on the season. The Brakettes led 7-0 after four innings, and picked up two more runs in the top of the fifth.

Whitney Williams led off the fifth, and reached base with her first hit as a Brakette. Amber Radomski and Ashley Waters also singled, loading the bases for Serio, who drove in Williams with the team's fourth consecutive single. Fishback grounded out to the right side, scoring Radomski to close out the scoring at 9-0.

The Brakettes scored three runs in the first inning of the late game, and five more in the second. After Stratford batted in the top of the third, the game was called due to pouring rains and lightning within close proximity of the park. Stats from the second contest do not count, as the game was not yet official when play was suspended.

The Brakettes continue their Pennsylvania road trip Sunday at 12:00 noon against the Lyons Spirit, also at Lyons Field. The games will be webcast right here at brakettes.com.