The hosts are now 20-2 on the season and ranked fourth in the state. A big crowd was in attendance for senior night and the Millie Moo Foundation celebration. Pitchers Ayden Klendworth (EP) and Danika Saddoris dominated for most of the contest on the chilly day. Each team was limited to six hits but unfortunately for EP three of Riverdale’s went over the fence.
Ram slugger Brecklyn Peterson connected for a round tripper in the Ram first to take a 1-0 lead.
The Panthers first hit came in their third as Alyssah Padia continued her hot streak with a double to the right field fence but she was left stranded.
Peterson connected again in the third, this time with a runner on first to make it 3-0 Riverdale.
EP loaded the bases in their fourth at bat as Lilly Swatos and Isabella Olvera singled before a Leah Richmond walk. A strike out ended the threat.
The Panthers took advantage of a pair of walks and an error to load the bases again in the fifth. Two consecutive fielder’s choice grounders weren’t able to get outs and the Panthers tallied twice to close within one. Two more strikeouts closed the Panther attempt to take the lead.
The Rams finally put something together in the fifth as two singles and an intentional walk to Peterson were followed by a grand slam by Katie Cox that gave the hosts a commanding 7-2 advantage.
EP put 3 singles together in their last at bat by Chloe Hamilton, Ava Grawe and Klendworth to plate one more before the game ended.
Head coach Jessie Rosenow was happy with the girls’ showing. “We showed we can compete with the best in the area. Our lineup from top to bottom is solid and made them make some changes. Hopefully we can build from this confidence boost through the next couple weeks.”
The 11-10 Panthers are home Monday in Prophetstown at 4:30 against Mendota.
