Hall of Fame Huddle: Diamonds Outlast Racers, Even Series

Kelley Montalvo after her 3-run homer

The Diamonds came out strong, getting 2 runs in each of the first two innings. But in true Racers form they fought, clawed and battled back. In the end it wasn't enough but the fight in this team only grows stronger every time they play. Two hits and two walks allowed the Diamonds to get on the board first. Amanda Kamekona hit a 2-run shot in the second to extend the lead to 4-0. That's when the Racers offense kicked it into gear! Brianna Hesson led off the inning with her 5th home run of the season. With pinch runner Alicia Herron and Taylor Schlopy on base, Kelley Montalvo went yard, tying the game at 4! Kamekona got the momentum right back in the 4th, adding another RBI to her very productive series.
"I'm feeling comfortable," Kelley talks about her mindset at the plate, "and that's what I haven't felt in a long time. Comfortable and seeing the ball. Just back to basics; see ball, hit ball. Loosey goosey, and I'm telling you once you get that first at bat out of the way you're seeing watermelons after."
The bottom of the 4th seen Katie Burkhart back on the mound, and she held the Racers to only 3 hits in the final 4 innings. The scoring was capped off in the 7th when GiOnna DiSalvatore hit a 2-run shot, giving the Diamonds much needed insurance runs. For the Racers Thorson pitched 3.2 innings and gave up 5 runs on 6 hits, Bach gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in 3.1 innings.
Bri Hesson led the team over the series going 3 for 12 with 2 homers, 4 RBI's and 4 runs scored. Kelley Montalvo went 4 for 9 with a home run, triple, 3 RBI's and a run scored. Lisa Modglin went 6-14 in the lead off spot with a pair of RBI's and runs. Nicole Pauly was a solid 5 for 12 also with a pair of RBI's and runs. Marder, Trimboli and Schlopy all added home runs.
Amanda Kamekona led the Diamonds going 6 for 11 with 3 homers, 6 RBI's and 5 runs scored. Kelsi Weseman went 3 for 11 with a homer and 5 RBI's. The Racers head to Florida to take on the Pride in a 4 game series and the Diamonds head home to take on the Bandits.