Bandits run-rule Blaze, 11-2, in first meeting of season

The Quick Story: The Bandits sprinted to a 10-0 lead and never looked back en route to securing their sixth win in the last seven games, an 11-2 victory over the Blaze in Athletes Unlimited Softball League action at Wilkins Stadium on Friday night.

Key Moment: The Bandits crossed the plate four times in the third inning to build a 4-0 lead before adding a six-run outburst in the fourth inning, which included a two-run double by outfielder Morgan Zerkle.

Bandits Notes

The Bandits finished with 11 hits, marking the sixth straight game they have finished with 10 or more base hits.
Seven of the 11 runs scored by the Bandits came with two outs … The squad was 5-for-9 (.556) in two-out situations..
Seven players recorded at least one hit, while six Bandits scored at least one run in the victory.
Infielder Erin Coffel continued her torrid start by extending her hitting streak to eight games with a single in the third inning.
Infielder Sydney McKinney has hit safely in six of her last seven outings after driving in a pair of runs with a single in the third inning … She also added a two-run single in the fourth inning to collect her fourth multi-hit game of the season.
Outfielder Morgan Zerkle owns a four-game hitting streak after her single in the second inning.
Pitcher Devyn Netz registered a hit for the fourth time in five games with her single to left field in the second inning … She also belted the first home run of her professional career with a solo shot to left center field in the top of the fifth inning.
Netz finished with a season-high three hits and three runs batted in.
Netz becomes the third Bandits player to drive in three or more runs in a game this season, joining Coffel and Zerkle.
Netz, McKinney and Zerkle combined for seven of the 11 base hits with each player notching at least two hits.
The Bandits were an impressive 15-for-22 in advancement opportunities, including a 7-for-15 performance with runners in scoring position.
The Bandits combined to swipe four bags in the victory … The four stolen bases are the most for a single team in a game this season.
Pitcher Taylor McQuillin earned her first win of the season after throwing 3.0 no-hit innings with two strikeouts … She also lowered her earned run average to 1.08.
Pitcher Sarah Willis threw the final 2.0 innings, giving up two runs on one hit with two strikeouts.

Blaze Notes

The Blaze initiated a coach’s challenge in the bottom of the fourth inning on a double by outfielder Morgan Zerkle … The challenge was unsuccessful after the call was upheld (fair ball).
The Blaze have now lost six consecutive games with their last win coming on June 9 against the Volts at Wilkins Stadium.
Infielder Anissa Urtez recorded the lone base hit for the Blaze, driving in two runs with a single in the top of the fifth inning.
Urtez now has multiple RBIs in two games this season.
Infielder Aubrey Leach drew a pair of walks and scored a run, while outfielder Korbe Otis also came around to score.
The Blaze were 3-for-8 in advancement opportunities.
Pitcher Alana Vawter dropped to 0-2 on the season after allowing four unearned runs in 2.2 innings.