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Force Take 6-1 Win from Thunder

July 17, 2009 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


ROSCOE, Ill. - With another sensational pitching performance by Kristin Erb and an explosive first and second innings the Force were able to pick up a much needed 6-1 victory over the Rockford Thunder Friday evening at Thunder Park.

Friday's victory improved the Force's record to 4-18, and dropped the Thunder's record to 11-12 on the year. To date Philly sits just two games back from the USSSA Pride for fourth in the league standings.

Playing a major part in helping the Force to the decisive victory was Megan Gibson, who gave her team an early 1-0 lead on a solo shot to left field. Gibson's opening frame homer was the fifth of the year for her, and marked the only hit the righty would record all night. Also producing at the plate were Emily Friedman and DeAnn Justice. Both players recorded a pair of hits, while Friedman also managed to score one of the Force's six runs.

In the circle, Erb threw all seven innings and allowed just one run on three hits. She also managed to fan two batters which brings her season total to 20 strikeouts.

For Rockford, starting pitcher Megan Brown had a tough night surrendering four runs on five hits in only two innings. Samantha Sheely replaced Brown in the third and allowed an additional two runs on four hits.

Offensively, the Thunder did not have an answer for Erb. Megan Willis recorded two of her team's three hits and had the Thunder's only RBI as well.

After Gibson's go ahead shot in the first, the Force tacked on three more runs in the top of the second to go up 4-0. Rockford then put their only run of the night on the board in the bottom half of the second. The score remained 4-1 through the sixth. In the top of the seventh, Danielle Kinley recorded a two run home run to put her team up 6-1. Kinley's homer was the first of the season for her, and secured the crucial victory.

The Force and Thunder return to Thunder Park for game four of the series on Saturday night with game time scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST.

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