Box Score Friday, March 20, 2015ELSAH, ILL. – Tonight the Principia Panthers took on the MacMurray Highlanders in the first of a three game series. The Panthers jumped out to an early lead and were on top, 9-0 after two innings. They extended the lead to 13-2 after five innings and appeared to be in great position to steal game one. However, the Highlanders stormed back and began chipping away at the double-digit deficit they faced and cut the Panther lead to just one run after seven innings of play. The Panther bullpen was unable to find an answer for MacMurray's loud bats and gave up eight more unanswered runs in the top half of the eighth inning. MacMurray held the Panther offense scoreless the final four innings, and ended up coming back to win the game, 20-13.
Dallen Russell started the game on the mound for the Panthers and unleashed another stellar performance, lasting five innings, allowing just one hit and two earned runs. Though he pitched well, his performance was to no avail as the bullpen was unable to contain the lead.
Jemlok Farson was the lone bright spot out of the bullpen, as he came in and held the Highlanders scoreless over the final inning and two-thirds of the ballgame.
Parker Davidson's range was on full display as he made several outstanding catches in left field. He has played great defense all year and has a knack for making difficult plays look effortless. The same can be said about
Ed Bargmann in center field thus far. Their speed and ability to track down balls in the gaps is unparalleled to any outfielders Principia's had the last few years.
Offensively the Panthers played very well. They outhit the Highlanders by a tally of 16-12; however, this was not enough to secure the W.
Aleq McMullin proved to be the catalyst for the Panthers, connecting for three hits and was a homerun shy of hitting for the cycle. He drove in six runs as well.
Hunter Mehring and
Logan McDowell each finished with three base hits, too.
Gavin Thomas and
Parker Davidson followed in close pursuit, smashing two hits apiece.
Overall, the Panthers played a terrific first five innings, but the final four innings were full of errors, mental lapses, erratic pitching, and poor execution on all cylinders. The Panthers proved that they have the talent to compete with anyone tonight, but they need to improve in their ability to finish games and express more mental toughness.
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