Brakettes Top Raiders; Lightning Ends Late Game

July 7, 2012 - The Stratford Brakettes beat the New York Raiders on Saturday night at DeLuca Field by a 6-1 score, as Brandice Balschmiter struck out nine. The nightcap against the NYC Havoc was called in the top of the third due to lightning in the area with the Brakettes up, 2-0.

The games were part of a three-team round robin, which also saw the Raiders hold off the Havoc, 8-5, in the afternoon contest.

Alisa Heronema again proved to be a tough out in the first, drawing a walk and stealing both second and third. Ashley Waters drove in Heronema with a single for a 1-0 edge.

After the early run, veteran Raider hurler Jenn Martinez held the Brakettes' bats at bay until the fifth inning.

Becca Carden led off with a walk and was sacrificed over by Jess Mouse. Carden had no plans to stop at second, however, and was able to outrace all fielders to third. The throw from first sailed offline and kicked into shallow left as Carden slid into the bag, allowing Carden to get up and continue home with the Brakettes' second run.

Kate Bowen earned a walk to continue the rally, and moved up a base on a single by Amber Radomski. Heronema then delivered an RBI single to plate Bowen, bringing the lead to 3-0. Radomski was out at third on the play, with Heronema taking second base on the throw.

Waters followed with another RBI base hit, scoring Heronema for a 5-0 lead.

Stratford picked up another tally in the sixth frame, as Steffi Call got it started with a double. Mandie Fishback ripped a single to push Call to third and moved up to second on an infield single by Jess Mouse. Call stayed put, loading the bases for the Brakettes.

Radomski drove in the last run on a grounder to the right side, closing out the scoring at 6-0.

Balschmiter allowed just two hits in the complete game shutout. She improved to 21-0 with the victory, while pushing the Brakettes' mark to 33-0 in 2012.

The team has now won a franchise record 152 straight games.

The Brakettes and Havoc will face off Sunday afternoon at 1:00 at DeLuca Field. Both games will be video webcast at brakettes.com.