Weiman secures victory for Rebellion
ROSEMONT, Ill. – For the second time in as many nights, Sarah Prezioso sparked the Rebellion to a 5-3 victory over Chicago, keeping their National Pro Fastpitch playoff hopes alive.
After hitting a leadoff homerun to spark a three-run seventh inning for Pennsylvania Friday night, Prezioso hit a solo home run to give the Rebellion and starting pitcher Miranda Kramer the early lead. Fromer North Carolina State standout Emily Weiman entered the game in relief of Kramer and was magnificant; not allowing a hit over the final three innings and striking out two to earn her third save of the season. She did not allow a ball to leave the infield.
With the Dallas Charge’s victory over Akron Saturday night, Pennsylvania’s win keeps the Rebellion (12-29) three games out of the fourth and final playoff spot. After struggling offensively for much of the season, they finally found a way to capitalize on opportunities against the Bandits (26-15).
After Prezioso’s home run, Olivia Watkins ledoff the top of the third with an infield single and Haruna Sakamoto laid down a sacrifice bunt. Chicago pitcher Michelle Gascoigne’s throwing error allowed both runners to reach safely and both advanced a base after a wild pitch by Gascoigne (4-5).
Rebellion right fielder Alexa Peterson delivered a two-run single and Alisa Goler added an RBI base hit for a 4-0 lead.
Chicago answered in the bottom-half of the inning when first baseman Brittany Cervantes hit a solo home run off Kramer, who earned her first win of the season. Kramer allowed three runs over four innings and struck out three.
Watkins added an RBI single for the Rebellion in the top of the fourth for a 5-1 advantage, but Bandits catcher Vicky Gallaso hit a two-run homer later in the inning to cut the deficit to two runs.