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Duel 7-run innings fuel Force to win

July 11, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Allentown PA- The Philadelphia Force brought their bats to ECTB Stadium on Friday night as the Force rattled the Rockford Thunder and hit their way to 17-2 win. The Force offense racked up 13 hits and benefited from four Thunder errors as they took their third straight game from the Thunder.

The Force broke open a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning. Walks to last night's hero, Emily Friedman, Clare Burnum, and Kellie Wilkerson, loaded the bases with two outs. Chelsea Spencer then cleared the bases with a double to right center. After Savannah Long was hit by a pitch, Jenna Hall singled to score Spencer. Megan Gibson followed with a single to drive in Long. Ashley Smith completed the seven-run inning with a 2 RBI single through the left side.

In the fifth inning, the Force (17-6) matched their fourth inning run output with seven more. Sharonda McDonald started the inning by reaching on an error and then stole second base. She scored on a pinch hit RBI single off the bat of Trena Peel. After Spencer singled and Long reached on an error, Hall drew a bases loaded walk to score Peel. The Force would score two more runs on the Thunder's third error of the inning. Then Friedman doubled home two runs and Burnum singled home Friedman to end that seven-run rally.

The final two runs for the Force came courtesy of Savannah Long's first professional home run, a two-run blast to left center field.

Spencer led the way for the Force with three hits and three RBIs. Friedman also added a hit and two RBIs. Long had three RBIs and three runs scored. Overall, every starter in the Force line-up had at least one hit.

Kristen Zaleski highlighted the Thunder's offense with two hits in three at-bats.

Gibson (6-0) picked up the win in relief of starter, Amy Harre. Gibson pitched one inning and struck out one of three batters she faced. Harre went the first three innings allowed three hits and one unearned run. Stacy Birk pitched the final three innings to earn the save.

Cassidy Scoggins (3-5) took the loss for the Thunder (10-13).

The Force and the Thunder will be back in action Saturday night to play the fourth and final game of the series. The game will be played at 7:05 p.m. at the Force home field, ECTB Stadium. The home run derby style event, the Battle of the Bats, will take place prior to the game at 6:20 p.m. The Force will show their support for pediatric AIDS by donating their entire portion of the Force Foundation's 50/50 raffle to The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.



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