Rockford Takes Series Finale from Force

July 19, 2009 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


ROSCOE, Ill. - Down 4-0 in the top half of the seventh inning, the Force nearly battled their way into the game on the heels of a DeAnn Justice two run home run. Unfortunately, the offensive spark that Justice ignited did not last as the Thunder walked away with a 4-2 series finale victory Sunday afternoon at Thunder Park.

The series finale loss dropped the Force's record to 5-19 on the year, while Rockford improved their record to 12-13. Rockford will now pack their bags and play a total of 15 games on the road to close out the 2009 regular season. Five of those 15 games will be played in Allentown next month.

Justice, who closed out the afternoon with a 1-for-4 outing at the plate, recorded her fifth homer of the season with two outs on the scoreboard, cutting the Thunder's lead in half. In the circle, Kristin Erb threw five complete innings Sunday afternoon. The Lock Haven University ace surrendered all four runs (3 earned) on seven hits. The Force as a whole gave up a total of four errors on the day, and stranded 10 runners on the bases.

For the Thunder, Shanel Scott and Chelsie Mesa proved dominant at the plate, each recording two hits. Mesa also picked up her first home run of the season which gave Rockford a 2-0 lead in the bottom half of the second.

Earning her first win of the season was rookie Samantha Sheely who threw the complete game. Sheely managed to keep the Force hitless for three complete innings, and fanned a total of seven batters.

Following Mesa's two run shot in the second, the Thunder scored two more runs in the bottom half of the fifth to go up 4-0. Those two runs proved to be the deciding factor, as the Force nearly battled their way back in the final frame, with Justice's bomb over the right field fence.

Philly will keep their bags packed as they travel to Florida for their final road trip of the regular season. Starting on Wednesday, the Force will face the USSSA Pride in a crucial five game series. Game one is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EST.



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 19, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central