EP’s Evan Steimle struck out 13 batters as the hurler led the Panthers past Mercer County 4-1 on Friday. The junior gave up just 2 hits and 1 run over six and two-thirds innings while walking 3. “Steimle pitched a great game but wasn’t able to face the last batter to get the completed game due to pitch count,” said EP coach Jeff Wunderlich.
Steimle was mowing down the Golden Eagle hitters throughout the contest and looked like he would get a complete game win after collecting the first two outs in the seventh inning. Then back-to-back walks and hitting the pitch count forced him to relinquish the pitching duties to Cade Huisman who needed just two pitches to end the game.
The Panthers opened the scoring in the second after Sawyer Schwartz singled driving in Carter Hadaway who had doubled to lead off the inning.
Mercer County tied the game in the third with a two strike RBI single down the left field line.
EP regained the lead in the third with Sawyer Copeland driving in Steimle who had walked. Another single by Huisman was followed the the third single of the inning by Hadaway giving the Panthers a 3-1 lead.
EP plated their fourth run in the sixth as Alastaire Sweetser led off the inning with a triple and came in on a single by Braedyn Frank.
The Panthers collected nine hits in the game with Hadaway and Frank each collecting two along with an RBI apiece.
“The guys played our best all around game of the year which was good to see,” said Wunderlich. “We still have things to work on but if we play like that we are going to be tough to beat.”
The Panthers (4-2-1) will play at home on Monday against Newman.
