Unbeaten Brakettes Host Eliminators Thursday; Fico Seeks Record as Stratton Nears 1,000th

July 5, 2012 - Pitcher Brandice Balschmiter reached a personal milestone last week. Now it's time for pitcher Rachele Fico and Manager John Stratton to earn their niche in the Brakettes record book as the team begins a six-game home stand tonight against the Connecticut Eliminators in a 7 p.m. doubleheader at DeLuca Hall of Fame Field.

The 6-foot-2 Balschmiter became the eighth pitcher to reach the 100-career victory plateau last Sunday as the Brakettes captured their ninth championship, and third in a row, in the Topton July 4th Invitational in Lyons, PA. Balschmiter (20-0) owns a 100-7 record in six seasons and has won 45 straight games with the Brakettes.

Fico, the former Masuk High all-stater, takes a 5-0 record into tonight's doubleheader needing one more win to break Barbara Reinalda's record for consecutive victories. Fico is unbeaten in her career, having won 77 straight games. She is the only Brakettes pitcher to begin her career with such a lofty win streak. Reinalda won 77 straight games between July 9, 1990 and August 16, 1994 en route to a franchise best 441-31 record in 19 seasons.

The Brakettes will also meet the New York Raiders at 6:30 p.m. and the New York City Havoc at 8:30 Saturday night. The Brakettes and Havoc play a twin-bill Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. The team's originally scheduled doubleheader Friday against the Elite Storm has been cancelled.

Fico has been rounding into shape since her All-American season at LSU, where she led the Lady Tigers to the College World Series. Despite hampered with a stomach bug last week, she still managed to pick up three victories. "Rachele was a bit under the weather, but she came through again," said Stratton. Fico has struck out 40 batters in 31 innings and she is slated to pitch the opener against the Eliminators.

Stratton enters the week's slate with a 994-108 career record and needs only six wins to join legendary Ralph Raymond in the prestigious 1,000-win club.

Tonight's CPTV second-game starter could be newcomer Sam Greiner of Sparta, NJ, and the backup pitcher for the University of South Florida Bulls, who also earned a berth in the CWS in Oklahoma City. Greiner compiled a 10-4 record with 64 strikeouts in 97 innings for Bulls. The former New Jersey Player of the Year is no stranger to the Brakettes. Ironically, she is the last pitcher to beat the Brakettes, earning the 7-3 win for the Newtown, PA, Rock June 4, 2010. We've added Sam to the roster. You can never have enough pitching.

Jessica Mouse, Greiner's USF teammate, continues to enjoy an outstanding comeback season after missing 2011 with injury. Mouse is hitting .478 with 29 RBI. First baseman Stephanie Call has taken over the team batting lead with a .506 mark (39-for-77) with six home runs and 33 RBI. Call recently moved into fourth place all-time with 37 home runs in just 87 career games.

Left fielder Becca Carden leads the team with 36 RBI, while shortstop Mandie Fishback has improved her totals to .484 with a team-high 45 hits and 30 RBI.

If Stratton doesn't start Greiner tonight Newtown's Kate Bowen (2-0) will get the call. Kate has been a key contributor this year with her bat, pitching, and defense, said Stratton.

Bowen is hitting .340 and has driver in 18 runs. On the mound she has allowed only five hits in 10 innings of work and boasts a 0.00 ERA.