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Force speed pass the Netherlands

May 30, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Allentown, Pa.- Third baseman Clare Burnum scored two runs and Margo Pruis pitched a complete game to lead the Philadelphia Force to a 5-2 win over the visiting Netherlands National Team at ECTB Stadium. With the win, the Force improve to 2-0 on the young season.

For the second straight game, short stop Chelsea Spencer started the game by getting on base. Spencer would move to third on a bunt single by center fielder Sharonda McDonald and a throwing error on the Dutch pitcher. After McDonald stole second base, Spencer raced home on an error on the catcher as she attempted to throw the ball back to the pitcher. A Trena Peel fly out advanced McDonald to third. Clean up hitter Jenna Hall laid down a perfect suicide squeeze sacrifice bunt to make the score 2-0 Force after one inning of play.

An RBI in the second inning by Jolanda Kroesen cut the lead in half.

But Burnum would get that run right back for the Force and their 346 fans in attendance. With one out in the bottom of the second, she hit a ball deep off the center field fence. As the Netherlands' centerfielder crashed into the fence unable to catch the ball, the speedy Burnum circled the bases for an inside-the-park home run. It was Burnum's first homer of the season.

Pruis (1-0), who earned the save in last night's game, scattered eight hits and allowed two runs in the win.

Speed would be the major factor in the final two runs for the Force. In the fifth, Burnum stroked her second hit of the game, and Spencer hit a one-out single. A McDonald ground out moved each runner up one base. A wild pitch by Anouk Mels, who went the distance for the Netherlands, scored Burnum and a charging Spencer all the way from second, as she took advantage of the large dimension's of ECTB Stadium.

Netherlands' Kim Kluijskens doubled home Britt Vonk, who had singled in the seventh inning, to close the book on the scoring.

The same two teams battle again Saturday night. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. If you can't make it to the park, tomorrow's game will be broadcasted on Service Electric's TV2.

Also, fans remember to check www.philadelphiaforce.com for information on subscribing to the Force's new live streaming video option for all home games.

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