Dan Eyrich, AP Sports
Panther hitters had few answers for Sterling Golden Warrior pitcher Eli Penne as they were limited to three hits in a complete game shutout, 2-0, at Gartner Park on Saturday afternoon.
Penne collected 13 strikeouts while walking just 1 in the victory.
Panther pitching held its own as starter Evan Steimle, who took the loss, gave up just 2 earned runs and 6 hits in 4 innings, striking out 1, and walking 3. Graden Church threw 2 innings giving up 1 hit, striking out 1, and walking 2.
The only scoring in the game took place in the bottom of the third after the Warriors cashed in a leadoff single with a triple and followed that with a run scoring ground out to make it 2-0.
The Panthers advanced just one runner to second base in the game.
Panther coach Jeff Wunderlich thought it was a good early season contest. “I thought both teams played well. Pitching just out performed hitting today. The boys showed good mental toughness by overcoming some errors and stayed in the game until the last out.”
The 1-1 Panthers will travel to Manlius on Monday to take on Bureau Valley.
