Force are 9th inning walk-off winners, again

Published on June 27, 2008 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Allentown, Pa. - For the second game in as many nights, the Philadelphia Force's Clare Burnum scored a run in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the Chinese-Taipei National Team, this time by a score of 1-0.

The Force improved to 12-2 on the season and are on top of the NPF standings.

Katie Burkhart (3-0) was dominant in her effort for the Force and in front of a vocal crowd of 976. The NPF rookie struck out 14 batters in her nine innings in the circle while only allowing two hits. Burkhart, who ties teammates Megan Gibson, Amy Harre, and Margo Pruis at three wins apiece, walked one and only faced two batters over the minimum.

Chinese-Taipei starter Chueh Ming Hui matched Burkhart's effort with a fine performance of her own. She allowed two Force (12-2) hits and struck out seven batters in eight plus innings.

The games only run came in the bottom of ninth inning. Burnum reached base by being hit by her second pitch of the game and fifth of the young season. Next batter Sharonda McDonald was asked to move her along with a sacrifice bunt, but she did one better. She purposely bunted a hard bunt over the head of the charging third baseman and into no man's land for a base hit. With runners now at first and second, Kellie Wilkerson, who started the night with a batting average of .577, was walked by Ming Hui to load the bases for Jenna Hall. Hall then grounded a two-strike offering from Ming Hui to the drawn in shortstop. Lo Hsiao Ting's throw to the plate was in the dirt and late, and Burnum, who had the Force's other hit on the night, slid in with game's one and only run.

The series continues Saturday night at ECTB Stadium with first pitch slated for 7:05. Prior to the game, around 6:30, the Force will be holding the "Battle of the Bats", a season-long NPF contest featuring the best Force power hitters. So, make plans to arrive at the stadium early to see the "Battle of the Bats".

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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 27, 2008


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