RACERS COMPLETE SWEEP

Akron , Ohio – The defending National Pro Fastpitch champion Akron Racers completed a three-game sweep of the Philadelphia Force, winning Saturday's nightcap 8-0.

The Racers (3-0) jumped on Philadelphia starting pitcher Jodie Cox for five runs in the first inning. That was more than enough for Akron starter Radara McHugh, who hurled a complete-game, three-hit shutout.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Crystl Bustos stroked a two-run triple to the right-field corner in the top of the first and then scored on second baseman Sara Larquier's RBI single. Left fielder Kim Gonzalez's infield single plated designated player Jenny Topping to make it 4-0.   A bases-loaded hit by pitch ran the score to 5-0.

First baseman Oli Keohohou blasted a two-run home run to left field in the second.  Shortstop Kristin Johnson, who had a marvelous series defensively, tripled and scored in the sixth.

McHugh (1-0), the winning pitcher in last year's NPF title game, allowed one runner to reach third.   She struck out four and did not walk a batter.

One of the NPF's two new franchises, Philadelphia (0-3) did not score in three games at Firestone Stadium, accumulating just eight singles in 21 innings.

The Racers entertain Arizona Wednesday through Saturday of next week.  All games start at 7:05 p.m. at Firestone Stadium.