Friedman's walk-off double leads Force to win

Published on August 2, 2008 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


Allentown, Pa- A seventh-inning rally by the Philadelphia Force sparked the team to a 3-2 win over the Washington Glory as the teams concluded the last game of the four game series. The win put the Force only one game behind the Glory in NPF standings.

It appeared the Washington Glory were going to be the victors as the team held a two-run lead going into the seventh inning. The Glory got on the board first in the top of the fourth inning. Amber Jackson led the attack when reached first base on a fielder's choice and advanced to second when Sara Larquier was hit by a pitch. Courtney Bures knocked in the first run with a single to right field that would score Jackson and make the score 1-0.

The Glory (25-15) added one more run in the top of the fifth inning. Lead off batter, Callista Balko crushed a solo home run, her first of her professional carerr, to left field, making the score 2-0.

But the Force (24-16) would not be satisfied with anything less than split in the series, as their bats came alive in the bottom of the seventh. Chelsea Spencer led off the inning with a single, the Force's first of the night, to right field. Two batters later, Megan Gibson walked, advancing Spencer to second base. Savannah Long knocked in the first run for the Force with a single to right field that advanced Gibson to third and scored Spencer. Kristen Miller continued the Force's rally with a walk that loaded the bases. This set the stage for Friedman who knocked in the game winning runs with a double to left-center field that scored Long and Gibson.

Katie Burkhart (10-4) picked up the win on the mound. Burkhart pitched a complete game and added seven strikeouts to her league leading total.

Desiree Serrano (10-6) took the loss for the Glory. In 1/3 inning, she allowed three runs on three hits and two walks. Prior to Serrano taking the circle in the seventh, the Force were no-hit by Sarah Pauly and Taryne Mowatt.

Next week, the Force will travel to Rockford to take on the Thunder for the second time this season. The series will begin August 8 and conclude August 11. All games will be played at 7:05 p.m. Upon return to Allentown, the Force will play their last home series against Akron from August 13-16. During this series, the Force will be holding the "Dog Days of Summer" promotion.

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