USSSA Pride vs Canadian Wild | NPF - Game 1 | NPF - Jun 6, 2019 at 6:54 PM CDT
Marion, IL (June 6, 2019) – The Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois topped the USSSA Pride 5-0 on Thursday night in their home opener at Rent One Field to stay undefeated on the season thanks to Jennifer Gilbert’s first-inning grand slam.
The Wild loaded the bases in the first on three straight walks to start the inning. Holly Speers pushed across the first run of the night with the Wild’s fourth walk of the inning. With the innings loaded, Gilbert blasted a pitch to right field for the first hit of the night and the 5-0 lead.
Gilbert finished the night 2-3 at the plate with a single to go along with her homer, four RBIs and was named Park Planet Player of the Game.
Natalie Wideman added to the Wild lead in the fourth. After Larissa Franklin led off the inning with a walk, Wideman singled to left field, scoring Franklin from second.
The shutout was a combined effort for the Wild. Jenna Caira started the game, and it was another dominant outing from her. She went four full innings without allowing a run. She finished the night with two hits and two walks while striking out one. She has yet to allow an earned run on the season. Taking over to start the fourth, Sara Groenewegen finished the game for the Wild. She went three innings, allowing one and striking out two.
The Wild are right back it tomorrow against the Pride tomorrow night at 7:00p.m. CT for game two of the five game series.
About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2004, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in fastpitch softball beyond their collegiate and amateur success. The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Aussie Peppers of Minnesota, Beijing Shougang Eagles, Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois, Chicago Bandits, Cleveland Comets, and USSSA Pride. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada, China, and Mexico, and represent the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.