Force Earn First Win of the Season in Extra Innings

Published on June 5, 2009 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Elgin, Illinois - In their first extra inning game of the 2009 season, the Philadelphia Force managed to pull out a 5-4 decision over the host Bandits of Chicago Friday evening at JU Sports Complex.

With the win, the Force improved their record to 1-2, while the Bandits fell to 2-1 on the season.

Leading her team to victory was relief pitcher Jessica Sallinger. Sallinger threw five of the eight innings played and allowed just one run on two hits. She also fanned six batters and walked just one other. Earning the start for Philly was Stacy Birk, who threw the first three innings. Birk surrendered three runs on three hits and gave up just one walk.

At the plate, the Force had three players record multiple hits for the first time this season. Amongst the team's top hitters was DeAnn Justice who picked up her first home run of the season in the second inning. Justice went 2-for-4 on the night with two RBI's and one run scored.

Accompanying their teammate in the multi-hit category were Lillian Hammond and Trena Peel. Each player recorded two hits and one RBI. Hammond also scored one run in the top of the fifth to help the Force take a 4-3 lead.

For the host Bandits, Jennie Finch made her first start of the 2009 season. In four complete innings, Finch surrendered two runs on two hits, while also recording five strikeouts. Behind her Brandice Balschmiter and Kristina Thorson each threw two innings a piece. Thorson was handed the loss after giving up the game winning run, unearned, in the top of the eighth inning.

Offensively, the Bandits were held to just four hits on the day, but what proved to be their downfall was a large number of errors.

Philadelphia initially got on the scoreboard in the top of the second inning, after scoring a pair of runs. Chicago then took their first lead of the night in the bottom half of the third with a three spot. The Bandits lead was short lived however, as Philadelphia battled right back in the fifth with another two runs to take a 4-3 lead.

Chicago eventually tied the game at 4-4 in the sixth on a one run home run by Kristie Fox. Fox's home run was the second of the day for the Bandits. Tammy Williams earned her first homer of the season in the third.

With the game even at 4-4 after six complete innings, neither team would score the go ahead run in the seventh. Moving into the eighth, the Force took full advantage of a throwing error by the Bandits as Danielle Hinley crossed home plate to give her team a 5-4 lead. Hinley initially got on base after picking up her first double of the season to start off the inning.

The Force will return to action tomorrow evening at 8:05 p.m. when they take on the Bandits in game four of the five game series. A live webcast will be available and can be viewed by going to http://www.philadelphiaforce.com/live.

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