Force drop friendly with China

Published on June 12, 2008 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Allentown, PA- The Philadelphia Force loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning but could not push across the tying runs as the Force dropped a 5-2 decision to the China Olympic Team. The game is the second in a four-game exhibition series with the Olympic hosts that does not count in the NPF standings.

China broke open an old fashion pitcher's duel when they got on the board in the fifth inning. Right fielder Zhang Ai led off the frame with a single. She was sacrificed to second base by Guo Jia. A single by Xin Minhong moved the runner to third and when the ball alluded the Force left fielder, Ai raced home with the game's first run.

The game stayed that way until the seventh inning. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases for Team China. Sun Li and Zhang Lifang each drove in one run with a clean singles. Lee Chunxia capped the inning with a two-RBI double to make the score 5-0 China going into the bottom of the seventh.

The Force did not go quietly. Chelsea Spencer started the last-inning rally with a single. After she was erased on a Clare Burnum fielder's choice, Trena Peel singled to put runners on first and second. Catcher Kristen Miller hit a deep foul fly that was hauled in by China's Lifang and each runner moved up a base. Emily Friedman broke China's shutout bid by lacing a triple into right-center field, scoring Burnum and Peel. With a 2-0 count on Ashley Smith, China made one too many trips to the mound and had to remove their starting pitcher Yu Huili. She was replaced by Lu Wei who finished the walk to Smith, but retired Michelle Tatlock on strikes out pick up the save.

Amy Harre pitched six-plus innings for the Force and struck out seven. Margo Pruis finished the game in the circle for the Force.

The Force, 6-2 in the NPF standings, finish the exhibition series with China on Friday with a day/night doubleheader with game times at 1:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. Tickets for each game are only $8 for any seat in the house, and parking is free.

After this series, the Force head out on the road for the first time, as they travel to New England for a four-game set starting Wednesday night.

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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 12, 2008


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