For the second time in two weeks, the EP Panther baseball team fell to Hall; this time 5-1 on a beautiful spring day in Prophetstown. The Panthers are now 3-5 in conference action and 5-14 overall.
The visiting Devils jumped out early on EP scoring runs in each of their first four at bats. The first inning started with two walks to set the table. A Panther error on a potential double play ball allowed Hall to score their first run.
In the second two singles got things started and a bunt single drove in the second run of the game.
After tallying another score in the third, Hall plated two in their fourth inning to make it 5-0 halfway though the contest.
EP only managed two base runners in the first four innings on singles by Evan Steimle and Parker Rangel. After a scoreless fifth and top of the sixth which ended on a fine double play initiated by second baseman Tristan Hovey, the Panthers showed a little life in their second to last at bat.
After an out, shortstop Caden VanHorn singled to right and advanced on an error to get things started. He moved to third on a wild pitch and scored the Panthers only run as Hovey grounded out to second. Parker Rangel followed with a long drive off the left field wall for a double but the rally ended there.
Neither team threatened in the last inning.
Steimle pitched the first four innings allowing 7 hits, 5 runs only 1 was earned, walked 2 and struck out 1. Grayden Church pitched the final three innings giving up only 1 hit, walking 3 and striking out 3.
The Panthers travel to Orion Saturday morning for a 10AM contest and return home Monday for a makeup game with Mendota at 4:30 in Prophetstown.
