Denis Blasts Brakettes Past Lyons Spirit

June 7, 2014 - The Stratford Brakettes posted a pair of shutouts over the Lyons (PA) Spirit Saturday night, riding strong performances by Brandice Balschmiter and Allyson Fournier to 8-0 and 4-0 decisions. Denis Denise launched a home run in each game of the doubleheader, giving her three on the year and 80 in her career as a Brakette.

Balschmiter struck out six and surrendered just one hit in the opener, which was shortened to five innings due to the run rule. Sarah Bencivgna had the only hit for the Spirit in the game, and infield single to the right side in the second inning.

The Brakettes jumped to an early lead in the first, after Bri Chiusano walked with one out and stole second base. Elise Fortier came through with two outs and crushed her first homer of the 2014 campaign, a two-run shot which gave Stratford a 2-0 edge.

Mandie Fishback led off the second inning with a single to right, and moved to second when the ball was misplayed in the outfield. Mariel Schlaefer delivered an RBI single to center to stretch the cushion to 3-0.

Denis helped to manufacture a run in the third, when she singled up the middle with one out. She stole second base and raced to third when the throw from home sailed into centerfield. Elena Bowman lifted a sac fly to right to plate Denise, giving the Brakettes a 4-0 lead.

Stratford exploded for four runs in the fourth inning, giving the Brakettes enough separation to end the game early.

Jess Mouse led off with a single and was pushed to second on a sacrifice bunt by Schlaefer. Britt Lampert single and stole second, putting two in scoring position. Chiusano lined a single into centerfield to score two and put Stratford up, 6-0.

Denis followed with her second home run of the young season, extending the lead to 8-0.

Balschmiter held the Spirit scoreless in the fifth to seal the victory and improve to 2-0 on the year.

Fournier took the ball in the late game and continued to mow down hitters. She struck out 14 and went the distance, scattering six singles along the way.

After a scoreless first frame, Bowman got the Brakettes going in the bottom of the second. She led off with a single moved up a bag on a sacrifice by Fishback. Tatum Buckley followed and beat out an infield single, as Bowman stayed put. Amber Radomski then delivered a single to score Bowman for the first run.

Buckley advanced to third on the throw and came home on a single by Chiusano for a 2-0 advantage.

Bowman doubled in the third, and Radomski added another single in the fourth, but the Brakettes wouldn’t reach home again until the fifth.

Denis clobbered her 80th career home run in the bottom of the fifth, putting the margin to 3-0. The blast made Denis just the second Brakette to ever reach the 80-home run plateau, along with all-time lead Pat Dufficy, who hit 91.

Fishback and Radomski walked in the home sixth and each moved up a base on a wild pitch. Schlaefer closed out the scoring at 4-0 with an RBI single, scoring Fishback for the game’s final run.

Liz Parkins went the distance for the Spirit, who opened their season 8-0 before dropping both games against the Brakettes.

Elaine Bedell and Courtney Hughes each had a pair of infield hits for Lyons.

Parkins and Rachel Delucia had the other base knocks for the Spirit.

Chiusano had two hits in the nightcap for Stratford.

Fournier improved to 2-0 with the win, while the Brakettes pushed their record to 4-0.

The Brakettes and Lyons Spirit will play a Sunday matinee doubleheader, starting at 10:00 am at DeLuca Hall of Fame Field.