Force downed by Racers

Allentown, Pa.- The Philadelphia Force were defeated by the Akron Racers (7-0) by a score of 7-0 at ECTB Stadium.

Racers Radara McHugh (4-0) earned the complete game victory. She gave up three hits to the Force and struck out nine batters. The Racers used a six-run sixth inning to break open what was a 1-0 pitchers’ duel. First baseman Ianeta Le’i knocked in two of the runs in the inning with a bases-loaded ground rule double. Then right fielder Tracee McCoy capped off the inning for the Racers with a three-run home run.

Stacy Birk (1-3) went the first 5 2/3 innings for the Force (1-6) and recorded three strikeouts. Margo Pruis pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings and struck out two of the four batters she faced.

Force shortstop Chelsea Spencer, who is batting .444 on the season, was intentionally walked twice by McHugh.  Birk, catcher Ashley Smith, and third baseman Clare Burnum each had one base hit on the night.

The center fielder for the Force, Sharonda McDonald, had the defensive play of the night. The speedster crashed through the outfield fence to rob Racers catcher Jenn Poore of a home run in the fourth inning with Akron having a 1-0 lead at the time.

The Force and Racers close out their four-game series Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.