The AUSL single-game strikeout record changed hands twice during the season’s second week. From Sunday, June 14, through Saturday, June 20, the Portland Cascade also won five straight, and two rookies threw shutouts.
Brown sets it, Fouts breaks it
Kenzie Brown struck out 10 Talons on June 14 in a complete-game 2-1 win at Dumke Family Softball Stadium. That set the league’s single-game record. The previous mark was nine, which Volts pitcher Rachel Garcia reached twice in 2025.
It lasted four days. Montana Fouts struck out 12 Texas Volts on June 18 in a 4-3 complete-game win at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. She retired 16 batters in a row and retired every player in the Volts lineup at least once, according to the league.
“To be able to get stronger against hitters like that, it’s so amazing, and it speaks to her work ethic, and who she is, and what she sees in this game,” Talons head coach Cindy Ball-Malone said.
Cascade’s five-game streak
Brown’s win clinched Portland’s first series win. Kelly Maxwell and Sam Landry finished the franchise’s first sweep with a 3-2 win in Salt Lake City on Monday. Sydney Stewart, Sierra Sacco-Ferrie and Korbe Otis drove in the runs.
The Cascade then played their first home game at Hillsboro Ballpark on Thursday in front of a sellout crowd. Landry threw a complete-game shutout in a 3-0 win over Oklahoma City, the third complete-game shutout in AUSL regular-season history. Tori Vidales hit the first AUSL home run at Hillsboro Ballpark.
“Everybody’s in it, every single pitch with us,” head coach Tairia Flowers said. “You can’t ask for anything better from a home team crowd.”
The streak ended Friday. Sydney Romero and Maya Brady homered in the Spark’s 6-1 win.
Atwood’s first two hits
Reese Atwood‘s first two professional hits were home runs. She hit a two-run shot in the fourth inning Sunday and a solo home run leading off the sixth in Carolina’s 9-1 win over Texas. The AUSL said it was the eighth multi-homer game in league regular-season history.
She was 3-for-3 with four RBIs on Saturday in Rosemont, with a three-run home run in the first inning and a triple in the fifth. Karlyn Pickens allowed one hit over five innings in the 8-0 win and moved to 4-0.
The Blaze finished the week in first place at 5-2. On Monday they beat Texas 6-5 in nine innings when Aleshia Ocasio singled home two runs in the bottom of the ninth.
Bandits get going
The Chicago Bandits won their first game Sunday, 11-3 over Oklahoma City in six innings. Amber Fiser struck out seven, and Tianna Bell drove in four runs.
“Winning feels good, doesn’t it, ladies? Yeah, it’s nice to get in the win column,” head coach Shonda Stanton said.
Chicago won the next two as well. On Tuesday the Bandits trailed the Spark 4-2 going to the bottom of the seventh. Bell homered, and Mary Iakopo won it with a two-run home run. Sami Williams hit a two-run homer in a 4-3 win over Carolina on Wednesday.
Tinsley’s debut
Taylor Tinsley threw a complete-game shutout in her pro debut Saturday as Utah beat Texas 8-0 at Dell Diamond. She scattered eight hits. The league said it was the fifth complete-game shutout in AUSL regular-season history. Tinsley joined the Talons after graduating from UCLA.
Utah swept the three-game series in Round Rock. The Volts fell to 1-7. NiJaree Canady made her pro debut in relief Sunday and took the loss in her first start Friday.
Standings through June 20
| Team | W | L |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Blaze | 5 | 2 |
| Utah Talons | 6 | 3 |
| Portland Cascade | 5 | 3 |
| Oklahoma City Spark | 4 | 4 |
| Chicago Bandits | 3 | 5 |
| Texas Volts | 1 | 7 |
Sunday’s schedule has the Blaze at the Bandits and the Spark at the Cascade. Full dates are on our 2026 AUSL schedule.
What is the AUSL single-game strikeout record?
Montana Fouts of the Utah Talons struck out 12 Texas Volts on June 18, 2026. Kenzie Brown of the Portland Cascade had set the record with 10 on June 14.
When did the Portland Cascade play their first home game?
June 18, 2026, at Hillsboro Ballpark in Hillsboro, Ore. Sam Landry threw a complete-game shutout in a 3-0 win over the Oklahoma City Spark before a sellout crowd.
What were Reese Atwood’s first pro hits?
Two home runs, both on June 14, 2026, in the Carolina Blaze’s 9-1 win over the Texas Volts.
About the AUSL — The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is a professional softball league featuring six teams across major U.S. markets. Commissioner Kim Ng leads the league, whose games air on ESPN, ABC, CBS Sports Network and MLB Network.
Sources: AUSL box scores and play-by-play for games 923 and 925-936; AUSL: Brown record, Fouts record, Cascade sweep, Cascade first home win, Atwood first hits, Bandits first win, Tinsley debut. Featured photo: AUSL.
About Aspen Eighty
Aspen Eighty is a female-founded, independent digital publication covering the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. We publish news, season coverage, and player profiles for all six AUSL teams. Our mission is to amplify women’s professional softball and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Share This Story
The Eighty
AUSL highlights delivered to your inbox.
Golden tickets, draft picks, game recaps, and analysis. Free. No spam.