Force surf over the Riptide

June 19, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Lowell, Mass.- Kelly Wilkerson went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and Megan Gibson pitched a four-hit shutout to lead the Philadelphia Force to their third straight victory over the New England Riptide, this time by a score of 4-0. The Force have taken four of six games played between the two teams, including the first two of this four-game series being played at Martin Softball Field.

The Force (8-2) got on the board off of Riptide pitcher Jocelyn Forest (2-3) in the fourth inning. Wilkerson, who is now batting .647, singled to start the inning. Jenna Hall moved her one base with a sacrifice bunt. Chelsea Spencer then plated Wilkerson with a double over the head of left fielder Alex Sutton.

In the fifth inning, a single by Ashley Smith and a walk to Clare Burnum put runners on first and second with two outs. Wilkerson drove both runners home with a double to make the score 3-0 Force.

Meanwhile, Gibson (2-0) was in control for the Force. She recorded her second professional shutout in as many tries. The Texas A&M graduate struck out six Riptide (6-8) batters in the complete game win.

The first-place Force added an insurance run in the seventh inning. A two-out single by Sharonda McDonald and another walk to Burnum set the stage for Wilkerson to drive in her third run of the night, this time with a single.

The two teams meet again on Friday at 7:05 p.m. The Force and Riptide conclude their series on Saturday, before the Force return home to ECTB Stadium on Thursday, June 26 for a match with the Chinese Taipei Olympic team.



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