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Force Take Game One of Goodwill Series

June 11, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Allentown, PA- For the second straight game, a Force pitcher made a sparkling professional debut in the circle. This time, it was Katie Burkhart pitching a two-hit shutout to propel the Philadelphia Force to a 3-0 win over the National Team of China. This is the first game of a four-game goodwill series that does not count in the NPF standings.

The Force did not waste any time offensively as they jumped on China's starting pitcher, Li Qi, to take the lead, 2-0. Sharonda McDonald led off the inning with a single up the middle. She quickly stole second base. Chelsea Spencer hit a ground ball to the shortstop who elected to try to throw out McDonald on her way to third. Li Chunxia's throw went wild and McDonald hustled home and Spencer advanced to second. Clare Burnum helped keep the Force's momentum going as she singled to right-center field, scoring Spencer.

But the night belonged to Burkhart as she dominated on the mound. She threw a complete game, allowing only two hits. She struck out seven batters and walked none.

The Force did add an additional run in the sixth inning when Rocky Spencer knocked in Kristen Miller. Miller, who made her professional debut behind the plate, reached on a one-out single. Emily Friedman also had a single in the inning to advance Miller. A groundout by Amy Hudson moved each runner up a base to set the stage for Spencer's infield RBI.

The Force will be back tomorrow at ECTB Stadium to take on China for the second game in the series. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. All tickets for all games during the China Series are $8.

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