Long Ball Powers Pride to Series Tie Against Force
Kissimmee, Fla. – The USSSA Pride(8-14) continued their critical series against the Philadelphia Force (6-20)picking up a 7-4 win.
USSSA scored in the bottom of the first US Olympian Kelly Kretschman lead off the inning being hit by a pitch. Rookie Kristen Schnake was able to sacrifice her over to second base. Kretschman then advanced to third on Amber Jackson’s single. With two on and one out Oli Keohohou placed her name a top the NPF Season Standings with her 7th homerun of the season. The Pride were able to score three runs on two hits off Force’s starter Jessica Sallinger (2-5).
The Pride would strike again in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Kelly Kretschman for the second consecutive at bat would lead off the inning with the walk. After a fly out by Schnake, Jackson would single for the second time in the ballgame. This time with runners on second and third the Force would intentionally walk Oli Keohohou. Courtney Bures’ grand slam would give the Pride a 7-0 advantage and end the outing for Sallinger inside the circle. It was Bures’ second homerun of the season.
After allowing four runs the Force would get four back in the top of the 4th inning. Philadelphia was able to bat around. Clare Burnum lead off the inning with single. Jamie Lobpries would then follow with a walk. DeDe Justice’s single would give the Force their first run of the night. Brette Reagan would then hit her first homerun of the season would make it 7 to 4.
Sarah Pauly (5-4) picked up her fifth win of the season pitching her eighth complete game. She struck out 2 and walked only two.
The Pride and the Force continue with game three of the series tomorrow night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 and is broadcasted live on profastpitch.com. Sunday’s contest will be played at Disney’s Wide World of Sports and broadcasted live on Bright House Sports Network at 12:05 PM.
