Ryan Hart

San Diego, CA

The San Diego Force started off the playoffs in style, with a dominating 9-0 defeat of the Inland Valley Pirates at Morley Field. Game 1 of the best of 3 playoff series was all Force all the time, led by the masterful performance by starting pitcher Ryan Losman. Having missed the most recent double header against the Pirates, Losman didn't bother giving the Pirates a chance in this one, allowing just a single hit across 6 innings while striking out 10. Losman couldn't have time the performance any better, since not only is this game one of the playoffs, but league voting for pitcher of the year ends Thursday 7/19. I'm sure the voters took notice. The bullpen didn't make things any easier for Inland Valley, allowing only one more base runner who reached on a walk in the 9th inning. 

As for the offense, it was good to see the Force show some power. Home runs by Phillip Steering and Drake Pierson got the fans to their feet, and the team's 10 walks kept the lineup moving all afternoon. Pierson was the clear standout, going 2-3 with the home run, a walk, and 3 runs batted in. 

The Force travel to Fullerton tomorrow for game 2 of the series at Amerige Park, but taking game 1 at home has to be a feather in their cap.