USSSA Pride Beat Chicago Bandits in Game One

The 2019 National Pro Fastpitch Cowles Cup championship series started last night. The USSSA Pride beat the Chicago Bandits 3-0 to take Game One in the Best of 5 series.

Fans started arriving at the ballpark in Rosemont at 4 pm to fully enjoy the NPF Tailgate Experience. The Nashville Electric Company Band delighted the crowd and set an energetic mood. Chicago Bandits mascot Skates interacted with fans. There was a bags game setup for fans to compete with each other. There were also a few vendor booths offering softball-related goods.

Unfortunately for Bandits fans, it went a bit downhill from there. The Pride scored one run in the third inning and added two more in the sixth inning. NPF Pitcher of the Year Jolene Henderson of the Pride pitched three innings, allowing just two hits from the Bandits. Jailyn Ford pitched four hitless innings in relief.

For the Bandits, starter Rachele Fico threw 5 2/3 innings, only allowing four hits. Danielle O'Toole pitched 1/3 of an inning, holding the Pride scoreless. Ally Carda pitched the final inning, allowing no hits.

Brenna Moss and Abby Ramirez had the only hits for the Bandits, although Abbey Cheek and Amanda Chidester reached base via walks. Ramirez also was hit by a pitch. Unfortunately, the five scattered base-runners was not enough to put runs on the board.

After the game, I had the pleasure of interviewing 2019 Legacy Award winner Kelly Kretschman of the Pride and 2019 NPF Player of the Year Amanda Chidester. Kelly talked about the game, winning the Legacy Award and her upcoming retirement. Chidester discussed the game, winning her awards and her family.

Game Two is tonight and Game Three is tomorrow at 7 pm, also with the Tailgate Experience starting at 4 pm. Bandits fans are hoping for a Game Four, which would be Sunday with a game time of 5 pm.

I'll be at the ballpark in Rosemont enjoying the softball fun. I'll report back here.