March 8, 2012
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – With the third pick in the second round (7th overall) of the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) College Draft, Akron Racers President/GM Joey Arrietta added a potential third pitching ace to the bullpen in Arizona State University right-hander Hillary Bach.
Due to NCAA regulations, an active college senior athlete is not eligible to sign with a prospective franchise until after their senior season is completed.
“Bach is a great pitcher with a National Championship under her belt,” said Arrietta. “She is a finesse pitcher and I think that’s the name of the game in professional softball. You have got to be smart, use the tools you have and can’t necessarily overpower the hitters all the time. You have to work to your strengths and she has those abilities playing for a big program like ASU. That mental toughness will do her well as a professional.”
Bach pitched her way to a perfect 10-0 record last season with the Sun Devils while maintaining a 2.79 ERA en route to an NCAA WCWS National Championship. Her freshman season at ASU (2009) was one for the record books as she turned in 31 victories from the circle.
In her collegiate career Bach has held batters to a 0.256 batting average in 534.7 innings pitched. She has 66 wins and 19 losses coming into the 2012 softball season.
About the Akron Racers: The Akron Racers, headquartered in Akron, OH, are the oldest existing team in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. The Racers competed in the Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL) for two seasons in 1999 and 2000 and in the NPF since 2004. Historic Firestone Stadium is home to the Racers and numerous amateur events at all levels of play. The Racers kick-off their 11th season of play in 2012.
About National Pro Fastpitch: National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.
Story courtesy of Akron Racers Media Relations
www.akronracers.org