Force Split Doubleheader with Akron

Published on July 4, 2008 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Akron OH- The Philadelphia Force (14-5) split a doubleheader with the Akron Racers (10-9) Friday evening at Firestone Stadium. The Force won the first game 3-2 but dropped the second game 5-4 despite having an early lead.

In game one, the Force did not waste any time as they jumped on the Racers for two runs in the first inning. Clare Burnum's lead off double started the Force's surge. Burnum was able to advance to third on a passed ball before Sharonda McDonald singled up the middle, scoring Burnum for the first run of the game. McDonald advanced to second on another passed ball. She quickly moved ahead one more base when Kellie Wilkerson reached on an error by the left fielder. Chelsea Spencer added one more run with her sacrifice fly to right field that scored McDonald.

The Force were able to manufacture one more run in the third inning before Akron's sixth inning comeback. Susan Ogden blasted a two-run home run with one out to put the Racers on the board. Ogden's home run scored Kristen Butler who walked in the previous at bat.

The Force retired five straight batters after Ogden's homerun, finalizing the 3-2 win for the Force. Megan Gibson picked up the win on the mound. Gibson pitched a complete game, striking out nine.

McDonald led the Force's offense with three hits, two runs scored, and one RBI. Burnum and Trena Peel also added two hits. Burnum scored one run.

Angel Shamblin took the loss for the Racers. Ogden highlighted the Akron offense with her homerun and two RBI.

The second game of the day started out in a similar fashion. After the first inning, the Force were up by three runs. Burnum started off the first inning rally with a single through the left side. After Burnum stole second, McDonald singled, advancing Burnum to third. Wilkerson plated the first two runs of the game with a clutch single up the middle. Chelsea Spencer reached base on an error which also allowed Wilkerson to advance to third. Savannah Long loaded the bases when she was hit by a pitch. Wilkerson nearly scored on an Ashley Smith fly out but was thrown out at the plate trying to advance. Megan Gibson added the third run of the inning with her RBI single that scored Chelsea Spencer.

However, the Racers answered back in the second inning. Shannon Doepking started off the inning with a double up the middle. Two batters later, Veronica Wootson homered, making the score 3-2. The Racers were able to add two more runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to finalize a 5-4 win.

The only other offensive threat the Force made came in the fifth inning when Wilkerson hit a solo home run. Wilkerson ended the game with two hits, 3 RBI, and one run scored.

Angela Tincher earned the win on the mound. In her two innings pitched she struck out four Force batters. Margo Pruis took the loss for the Force.

The Force and the Racers will play the final game of the series on Saturday. The game is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m.

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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 4, 2008


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