Panthers Sweep Eureka In SLIAC Game of the Week
The Panthers traveled to Ronald Reagan's alma mater to play two games against the Eureka Red Devils this afternoon. The Panthers came out with the most energy they've had all season and it resulted in two wins. The Panthers received outstanding pitching performances from Hunter Mehring in game one and Alex Stamos in game two. The Panthers defeated the Red Devils 8-1 in both contests and improved to 13-6 overall and 4-1 in the SLIAC.
Game 1
Hunter Mehring started on the mound for the Panthers in the opening game. Mehring was in a groove all afternoon and he carved through the Red Devils' lineup with relative ease. He threw a complete game masterpiece, allowing just one unearned run and three hits while fanning three. All of Mehring's pitches were working today and the key for him was throwing strikes as he only handed out one free pass.
The Panthers' offense started off hot as they plated four runs in the first inning. Parker Davidson started things off with a single and then stole second base. Ed Bargmann followed by drawing a walk. Connor Coyne then belted his fourth homer of the season well over the fence in left center. Zach Grennie drew a walk after Coyne went yard. Jeff Ross lined a single to right and then Jake Kearney then drove a line drive the opposite way (to right field) which scored Grennie.
The Panthers were clicking on all cylinders. They finished with 12 hits as a team. Davidson and Coyne led the way with three knocks apiece. Ross and Bryce Murray each collected a pair of hits and Grennie had a base hit and a couple of walks in the opener. The Panthers received contributions from everyone in game one as they rolled to a 8-1 win.
Game 2
Alex Stamos started on the mound in game two and threw another gem. Stamos went the distance, throwing a nine inning complete game for the Panthers. He allowed just one run on four hits while striking out six and walking one. Stamos improved to 4-1 on the year with the win. The Panthers' defense was phenomenal today as they helped both Mehring and Stamos all day by making all the plays and being on their toes all 16 innings today.
In game two the Panthers tallied 11 hits. They were led by Hunter Mehring, Ed Bargmann and Jake Kearney, who all picked up two hits each. Mehring blasted a triple and double and collected two RBI. Sean Hannan played a flawless shortstop per usual and also chipped in with a hit and three RBI at the plate.
The Panthers were held scoreless through the first five innings before scoring one in the top half of the sixth. They then turned on the jets and scored three in the seventh and four in the ninth to put the game out of reach for the Red Devils.
The key is throwing strikes. Mehring and Stamos threw all 16 innings this afternoon for the Panthers and they were around the strike zone early and often as they only issued two free bases on the day. If the Panthers' pitching staff can show similar command in future games they will be tough to beat. The Panthers currently boast the top offense in the league. They are hitting .308 as a team and are slugging .416. Ed Bargmann (.397) and Connor Coyne (.385) are in the top five in the SLIAC in batting average. Coyne is also tied for second in homers with four. Alex Stamos (1.63) and Sawyer (1.82) rank in the league's top five in ERA and have anchored the Panthers pitching staff thus far.
STORY COURTESY OF PRINCIPIA COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION
