Box Score ELSAH, ILL. -- The Principia Panthers took on the Illinois College Blueboys in a non-conference matchup today and ended up splitting the games with Principia winning game one and Illinois College taking game two. In game one sophomore
Tyler Nichoson and freshman
Hunter Mehring combined to throw a no hitter for the Panthers and defeat the Illinois College Blueboys 1-0 in a great pitcher dual. Tyler got the start going 3 strong innings and striking out 4 to earn his first college victory. Hunter came in relief and pitched 4 strong innings and also striking out 4. Hunter earned the save for the Panthers. Both pitchers were in command all afternoon and kept the Blueboys hitters off balance.
The Panthers earned the walk-off victory as junior
Christian Thomas walked with the bases loaded to drive in the winning run.
Scott Ross singled to start the inning and
Bryce Murray reached on a fielder's choice as he attempted to bunt Scott to second base.
Logan McDowell was hit by a pitch and
Connor Coyne walked to load the bases. The Panthers failed to score on a fly ball off the bat of
Ed Bargmann. The Panthers were able to overcome this mental lapse as
Christian Thomas had a great at bat drawing the bases load walk to win the game. The Panthers played solid defense in the field behind their two pitchers.
Offensively, the Panthers were led by
Gavin Thomas who finished the game 2 for 3 with a double.
Connor Coyne finished 1 for 2 with a double and
Christian Thomas,
Ed Bargmann, and
Scott Ross all finished with a hit.
In game two, the Panthers rally came up short as they fell to the Blueboys 7-5. In the 7
th inning the Panthers had an opportunity to tie the game, but the Blueboys were able to work out of the jam. With one out,
Hunter Mehring singled and then
Bryce Murray followed with a single. The Blueboys pitchers were able to get a fly out and strikeout to end the threat.
Freshman
Sawyer Grow got the start in game two and went four innings, scattering 8 hits, and allowing 3 earned runs. Sawyer battled through the start and kept the game close. The bullpen pitched well as freshman
Parker Tibbetts and freshman
Jemlok Farson each pitched scoreless innings. Junior
Dallen Russell came in relief in the 7
th inning. With the score knotted at 5-5 the Blueboys were able to rally for 2 runs before Dallen could shut the door. Dallen worked out of the jam and kept the game within reach 7-5.
Offensively the Panthers were led by freshman
Ed Bargmann who finished the game 3 for 4.
Christian Thomas,
Hunter Mehring, and
Bryce Murray also had two hits apiece. Hunter drove in two runs.
Gavin Thomas continued to swing a hot bat, finishing 1 for 3 with 3 RBI's.
Connor Coyne also contributed a hit.
Overall, it was a solid weekend of baseball as the Panthers finished with 3 victories and 1 loss. The Panthers enjoyed the great support from all of their fans! The Panthers will be back in action on Tuesday April 1
st for a conference game against Fontbonne University with the first pitch slated for 6pm in Elsah.
