Chicago Bandits Sweep Cleveland Comets

The Chicago Bandits 5 game series against the Cleveland Comets had a little bit of everything. Most importantly, it had 5 wins for the Bandits as they swept the Comets to start their National Pro Fastpitch season.

As reported here on Friday, the Bandits won the opener 2-0. Although it was held in Rosemont, a scheduling quirk made it a “home” game for the Comets. Either way, the Bandits came out on top. Player of the Game Danielle O'Toole pitched 5 scoreless innings, giving up only 3 hits.

The Bandits kept it rolling with an 8-0 5 inning win. The game was shortened due to the 8 run rule. “Player of the Game” Rachele Fico gave up only 2 hits in 4 innings on the mound.

Game 3 featured another win for the Bandits and another interesting occurrence. Things started roughly, as the Comets came out strong and eventually had a 7-2 lead. The Bandits came back and tied it at 7-7 forcing extra innings. In the 10th, the international tie-breaker came into play. Rookie draftee Kelly Barnhill won “Player of the Game” honors in her NPF debut, striking out 4 Comets, while allowing no runs.

The Bandits started with a runner at second and followed that with 2 walks. Courtney Gano was hit by a pitch to give the Bandits the lead. The Comets went down in order to secure the Bandits win.

On Sunday, the Bandits closed out the sweep with 6-1 and 10-3 victories. Kristyn Sandberg earned “Player of the Game honors for both games, by going a combined 5-8 with 8 rbi's.

The Bandits return to play on on Wednesday against the 2018 NPF champion USSSA Pride. The Bandits host the Pride for 2 games, followed by a Friday doubleheader against Team USA. On Saturday, there is a split doubleheader, with the Pride facing Team USA in game one and the Bandits against Team USA in game 2. On Sunday, the Bandits face Team USA one again. The Bandits then have a long break, resuming play on June 28.