Oxford, AL –Late-arriving rookie Rogers throws no-hitter as Oxford’s Smash It Sports Vipers take down USSSA Pride 1-0 to open the series that will be the last regular-season game
The Smash It Sports Vipers are beginning to feel the their top draft choice Ashley Rogers’ long-awaited impact.
The first-time pitching coach of Tennessee was a complete no-hitter on Saturday and the Vipers defeated USSSA Pride USSSA Pride 1-0 to open the final game of the regular season. In the Women’s Professional Fastpitch semifinals start August. 9, at Choccolocco Park.
Rogers was unable to pitch during the first portion of the season because of a strain fracture in her left (pitching) forearm. She began slowly to work into the rotation, slowly increasing her number of pitches.
She was flawless for three innings in Oklahoma City on July 26 but was forced to leave the game due to pitch limitations.
Saturday, she was done. She struck out 60 times in 89 pitches. She struck out nine batters, and she took one walk.
Public address announcer for the Vipers Tommy Wood marked Rogers’ no-hitter with “Rocky Top” at Choccolocco’s famous field.
Rogers is 1-3 for the season and has an 4.33 ERA, 30 strikeouts and 10 walks over 27 innings of pitched.
The Vipers recorded five hits. They scored only run in the 2nd inning thanks to Kelsey Bennett’s sacrifice fly. Tatyana Forbes, who was pitching in the inning after Chelsea Gonzales doubled and reached third base she scored.
Vipers (9-25) Vipers (9-25) have now won two wins in a row twice in this season and for the first time since they beat Oklahoma City July 11 and 12 at home. A win more in this series and the Vipers will be able to secure their second win in the series in the current season.
