Dan Eyrich, AP Sports
Despite pounding out ten hits over six innings it took a two out rally in the 6th inning for the Lady Panthers to take the lead and grab an opening night win over visiting Lena Winslow 4-2.
The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday but due to predicted weather the game was moved up to Tuesday.
Panther pitcher Wynn Renkes racked up 15 strikeouts over 7 innings walking 2 and giving up just 3 hits in a winning effort.
Lena Winslow got on the board in the first inning with an RBI single following but one out walk to go up 1-0. EP responded in the bottom of the first as EP cashed in a two out walk with Kayler Pritchard driving in Paezleigh Hudgin to tie the game at one.
EP took their first lead of the game at the bottom of the fourth after Pritchard lead off the inning with a triple and scored on a safety squeeze to make it 2-1 EP.
Lena Winslow tied the game in the top of the sixth with a one out triple followed by an RBI single to make it a 2-2 game.
EP was finally able to string some hits together in the the bottom of the sixth with Hannah Ryan driving in Jaylynn Hamilton, who had singled, with an RBI double. Pinch runner Ava Grawe then scored on a single by Chloe Slock to make it 4- 2.
Renkes struck out the side in the 7th to seal the opening night win.
Offensively the Panthers were led by Pritchard who had 2 hits an RBI and scored a run. Lilly Swatos also collected two hits.
New head coach Jessie Russell was happy with the patience her team showed. “I think we really found our grove the second half of the game. I was proud of the girls for not getting shook up when LW scored first. I think we worked through a few nerves, but stayed the course and the team that we’ve been seeing at practice showed their face. It’s an understatement when I say that I am so excited for this season. Being able to look at the girls on our field and also at our reserves and feeling confident with so many different options is a great feeling to have.”
The 1-0 Panthers will host Rock Falls on Friday at 4:30.
One Response
Very nice ! Congrats !