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Force game notes

July 20, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


The Series

The Philadelphia Force (19-9) will host the Chicago Bandits (15-13) at ECTB Stadium this week as the teams will play their second four-game series of the year. Last week, the Force went to Chicago to visit the Bandits. The teams split the series, each team picking up two wins apiece. This week's series will run Monday, July 21 to Thursday, July 24. All games will be played at 7:05 p.m.

The Force offense is still being led by Kellie Wilkerson, Sharonda McDonald, and Chelsea Spencer. Wilkerson is at the top of the NPF with a .451 batting average. She is 32 for 71 at the plate with 18 RBIs. Spencer is hitting .326 with 29 hits. She is leading the team in runs scored with 21. Sharonda McDonald has the second highest batting average on the team (.333). The speedy outfielder has 10 stolen bases and 29 hits. Spencer sparked one of the Force's wins this weekend with a game winning grand slam. She added a second home run in game four of the series. Rookie, Savannah Long added two home runs on the weekend.

On the mound, Katie Burkhart (6-3) and Megan Gibson (7-1) each picked up a win. Burkhart has struck out 90 batters in 71.2 innings pitched. She also has the second best ERA on the team (1.97). Megan Gibson leads the team in wins (7) and ERA (1.78).

The Opponent

Stacy May and Rachel Folden lead Chicago with batting averages of .367 and .303, respectively. Between the two batters, they combine for 13 of Chicago's 31 home runs. May's 33 hits lead her team, while Folden has collected the most walks (20). Jamie Clark has also been providing Chicago with an offensive spark, as she leads her team with 25 RBIs.

Over the weekend, Kristina Thorson led the Bandit pitching staff as the former Force player earned both wins. With her 3.01 ERA, Thorson leads the team in strikeouts (60). Jessica Sallinger leads the team with seven wins.

Force From Your Home

All of the Force's games this week will be available on streaming. Streaming options can still be purchased for $8.95/month and 3.95/game. The last game of the series on July 24 will be taped by FSN and shown on tape delay on July 31 at 3:00 p.m.

The July 23 game will be shown on Service Electric channel 2.

Exciting Events

Throughout the series with the Bandits, the Force will sponsor the Family, Fun, and Fitness series. To kick off the series, the Force will hold Capital Blue Cross Healthy Lifestyles Night on July 21. The Force will also hold another College Night. College students who bring their university ID to the game will receive a VIP ticket along with a food and beverage voucher for only $15. Coca Cola of Lehigh Valley will be giving away Iron Pigs tickets throughout the evening. Katie Burkhart will be the Player Passion.

On Tuesday, July 22, the first 300 fans will receive free Majestic replica NPF throwback t-shirts. The Player Passion will be Kristen Miller.

The Battle of the Bats will take place on Wednesday, July 23 prior to the game at 6:20 p.m. Coach Sabrina Lane will be the game's Player Passion.

Belle's Birthday Bash will be held July 24. For $20, fans will receive a free general admission ticket along with the opportunity to take part in a picnic, cupcake decorating, picture taking with the mascots in attendance, and the Mascot Olympics. The deadline to sign up is July 20. To RSVP, call 610-841-7638. The Player Passion will be Belle.

Camps and Clinics

Last Monday's July 14 Pitchers and Catchers Clinic will be held on July 22 at 10 a.m. On Wednesday, July 23, there will be a Force all-skills clinic. Individual lesson are also available.



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 20, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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