Racers Edge Force

Allentown, Pa.- Philadelphia Force first baseman Jenna Hall was 3-for-3 and drove in three runs but the Force dropped game two of a four-game series to the Akron Racers (6-0) by a score of 6-4.

Jamee Juarez (3-0) pitched all seven innings and struck out six to earn the win.

The Force (1-5) took the early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Shortstop Chelsea Spencer, who had two hits in the game, singled with one out. She stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error. Spencer then scored on a wild pitch.

After the Racers tied the score on a second-inning sacrifice fly by designated player Caitlin Benyi, Iyhia McMichael hit her third home run of the season to give the Racers a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth inning, the Force would strike back. Pitcher Kellie Wilkerson (0-1) led off with a double to left field.  Hall followed with a base hit to right center to score Wilkerson.

Racers leadoff hitter Veronica Wootson singled home catcher Jenn Poore to give Akron a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning. The Racers then executed a double steal with right fielder Tracee McCoy getting credit for a steal of home. Third baseman Norelle Dickson then singled to drive in Wootson. The Racers would add one more run in the inning to make the score 6-2.

The Force chipped into the lead in their half of the sixth. With two outs, Wilkerson, who pitched 5 2/3 innings, drew a base on balls. Hall then drove a Juarez pitch over the left center field fence to cut the Racers’ lead to two runs.

Meagan Hennessy pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings and allowed two hits in relief

Game three of the series at ECTB Stadium is scheduled for Friday with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.