Brakettes Defeat New York Raiders, to Face VIP's in Championship

July 5, 2009 - The Stratford Brakettes played their best all-around game of the Topton Fourth of July Tournament, beating the NY Raiders 10-0 in run-rule shortened fashion. Jen Russell pitched a one-hitter, and Denise Denis smashed her eighth homer of the year to lead Stratford to victory.

The Brakettes picked up three runs in the bottom of the first, with Ashley Waters getting things started with a leadoff single. Lindsay Kay Bright reached on a bunt single, pushing Waters to third. Denis was hit by a pitch to load the bases, bringing up Jess Serio, who chopped one to short.

The groundout scored Waters for the first run. Jess Mouse delivered a two-out, two-run single to left, scoring Bright and Denis, and giving the Brakettes a 3-0 lead.

Mandie Fishback brought Bright home on a single in the third inning, after Bright reached on her second bunt single of the game.

The Brakettes plated six more runs in the bottom of the fourth, putting the game out of reach. The rally was highlighted by a triple by Waters, scoring Amber Radomski and Jenna Lopez, both of whom had reached on singles. Bright grounded out to second, scoring Waters, and pushing the lead to 7-0.

Denis followed with a line drive, inside-the-park homer to the right field corner, giving Stratford an 8-0 lead. Fishback and Mouse scored for the Brakettes on a fielding error in center field, closing out the scoring at 10-0.

The Brakettes will meet the Topton VIP’s at 3:45 in the championship game, needing to beat their longest-standing rivals twice to take home the hardware. Topton needs just one to capture the crown.

Follow all the action right here at brakettes.com.