With a runner on second and no outs, Bakalar ranged far to her left, gobbled up a grounder and retired the batter with a perfect off-balance throw as the runner advanced to third. With the infield playing in, the next batter sent another grounder to Bakalar. She faked a throw to first, prompting the runner to head home. Bakalar then threw a strike to catcher Danielle Toto, who applied the tag to prevent the winning run from scoring. I think I've played long enough to handle pressure.
Pressure is good.
Stamford appeared to feel the pressure at the outset. Bakalar began the game with a triple and Lori Fazio singled her home. Two ensuing errors helped the Hatters take a 3-0 lead. Stamford collected seven runs on nine hits in the first three innings before Lilley held the Knights hitless during the next three innings. Two innings later, the Hatters loaded the bases with two outs.