Dan Eyrich, AP Sports
A five run sixth inning made the difference in a close game as the EP Panthers opened their 2025 campaign with an 8-3 win over Stark County in Toulon on Tuesday.
Panther pitchers Braedyn Frank and Alastaire Sweetser combined to give the Rebels just two hits in the contest. Frank struggled with control as he issued 8 walks while striking out 5 in his three innings of work. Sweetser punched out 8 while walking just 1 in four innings of work.
Caden VanHorn got the Panther scoring started scoring on a fielders choice in the first inning to put EP up 1-0 but the Rebels took the lead in the bottom of the frame scoring twice after the first three batters reached base on walks scoring 2 on an infield error.
EP regained the lead on a solo home run to right by Parker Rangel in the top of the third to make it 3-2 Panthers.
The Panthers plated 5 in the top of the sixth scoring on a bases loaded fielders choice, an infield error, a single by Tristan Hovey and a 2 run double by VanHorn to make it 8-2.
Stark County plated one run in the 6th to make the final 8-3.
Seven different Panthers had a hit in the contest as the team worked 5 walks and struck out 10 times.
EP head coach Jeff Wunderlich said he was pleased with the opening day win. “The team
played well for our first game of the season. We made adjustments throughout the game to come away with the win.”
The Panthers are scheduled to host Lena-Winslow on Wednesday.
