Brakettes Blank Stratford Breakers

July 18, 2013 - The Stratford Brakettes captured a pair of 8-0 victories from the Stratford Breakers 18U on Thursday night, invoking the run-rule in both contests. Steffi Call blasted a grand slam in the opener, while Denis Denis added a three-run shot in the second game.

Sam Greiner won the early matchup, while Brandice Balschmiter made her first start for the Brakettes since Opening Weekend in the late game.

Greiner improved to 19-0 on the season with a five-hit shutout, striking out three and walking four along the way.

Balschmiter (3-0) struck out ten in her return to the club, giving up just four hits, but walking five over five innings. She wiggled out of two bases loaded jams and another with runners at second and third, getting big strikeouts in key situations to thwart potential rallies.

The Brakettes will return to action on Friday night at 7:00 against the CT Eliminators, as they start play in the Brakettes Invitational, a seven-team, USSSA tournament.

The Invitational will run from Friday through Sunday afternoon, with two pool-play games on Friday night and seven on Saturday, plus two more at Short Beach on Saturday afternoon. There will be four single-elimination games (one quarterfinal, two semis and the final) on Sunday at DeLuca Field and a pair of quarterfinal matchups at Short Beach on Sunday morning.

All Brakette games at the Brakettes Invitational will be live video webcast at brakettes.com, while both semi-finals and the championship game will be broadcast on Sunday.