Baseball captures series over Webster
ORANGE, Calif. — Baseball won the series in the rubber match game three after eight hours, and 24 innings of baseball on Saturday, March 12. The Panthers lost game one in extras, but came right back walking if off in game two.
Game 1 - L, 5-4 (Final - 15 Inn.)
A game controlled by the Panthers for the first eight innings, saw the Gorloks tie it in the ninth. From then on the two teams played a gritty six extra innings, ending in a tough loss.
The Panthers were saved, however, by some stout outfield defense from Oli Sellman who ended Webster's ninth inning rally with an outfield assist on a fly out. A beautiful throw from right center, straight to Trent Turquand behind the plate on a line, sent the game into the bottom of the ninth tied 4-4.
Before we got there, the game looked to be a high scoring affair through the first four innings. The Panthers scored in the first, second and third. Josh Phillips hit his third homer of the season and 11th of his short 40 game career.
Wyatt Thompson started and threw six innings of three run ball, his only blemishes coming in the third inning. With Brandon Menzel holding on heading into the ninth, Thompson was set up for the win before the extra inning madness. Following Henry Chabot letting up the lead in the ninth, on an error, AJ Anzai threw the final six innings, earning the loss.
Game 2 - W, 2-1
In a pitchers duel for the ages finished with a walkoff win, game two capped off a wild day of baseball.
Max Banks came out dealing, striking out the first seven batters he faced, all swinging punchouts. He ended his day on the hill with his best outing of the season and maybe even his career, with seven scoreless innings of work and 12 strikeouts.
The Panthers held a 1-0 lead until the eighth inning, their lone run coming on a wild pitch that scored Drake Mueller, but surrendered the lead on a sacrifice fly. Turner White did a good job in relief earning the win entering with the bases loaded and one out in the inning.
The Panthers walked it off after Josh Phillips reached base on a single to start the ninth, and Ryan Nopper bunted him to third, reaching as well on a fielder's choice. Cole Minato drove home Phillips to end the eight hour day of baseball.
The Panthers, now 6-8, are right back at home tomorrow night to take on No. 10 Endicott at 7 p.m.
By Joe Perrino
Assistant SID / Recreation Sports Manager
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