Louisville, KY. - The Panthers ended their 2017 campaign with a thrilling last inning comeback win. The Panthers trailed 9-6 heading into the final frame, but they refused to go away quietly and plated seven runs before the Spalding Golden Eagles could retire the side in the final frame. The Panthers won the final game, 13-9, after falling 5-0 in the first game.
Game 1
Sawyer Grow started his final game on the mound today. Grow threw very well as he kept the Golden Eagles off balance most of the game. He threw three scoreless innings before allowing a couple of runs in the fourth. He threw a complete game, allowing seven hits and five runs while striking out one.
The Panthers hit the ball hard in game one but the Golden Eagles played error-free baseball and only issued one base on balls. The Panthers collected five hits in the game.
Ed Bargmann and
Connor Coyne were each responsible for two of those hits and
Hunter Mehring had the other base knock. However, the Panthers were unable to manufacture any runs in the game and fell 5-0 as a result.
Game 2
The second game was arguably the most exciting game of the season and it was a total team effort. The Panthers proved that they can compete with any team this afternoon. The Golden Eagles were the top team in the SLIAC and were just voted the third best team in the Central Region, but the Panthers did not shy away from the challenge.
Alex Stamos started on the hill and provided the Panthers with five innings pitched. Stamos allowed 11 hits and seven runs but only three of those runs were earned. He struck out a pair as well.
Parker Tibbetts entered in relief and hurled the final four innings for the Panthers. After walking three straight, Tibbetts settled down and found his groove. He proceeded to allow just two hits and struck out seven batters in his four innings of work.
The two teams battled in the series finale. It seemed like each time the Panthers scored runs the Golden Eagles would immediately follow suit and score some runs of their own.
The Panthers were trailing 9-6 heading into the top of the ninth. They showed tremendous grit and fight as they have all season long.
Jeff Ross got things started by beating out an infield single.
Ed Bargmann then doubled off of the top of the wall in left center. Ross scored on a wild pitch and Bargmann advanced to third on the same play.
Zach Grennie then smoked a ball at the third basemen who was unable to make the play. Bargmann scored and Grennie reached second after an errant throw. With the Panthers down 9-8 and one out, the Golden Eagles pitched very carefully to
Hunter Mehring who had already crushed a homer onto the highway over the wall and net in right field earlier in the game. Mehring drew a 3-1 count and then was hit by the next pitch, so the Panthers were now down by one with runners on first and second.
Sean Hannan stepped up to the plate and with ice in his veins roped a double to right center, scoring Grennie. Mehring held up at third to keep things interesting. He then scored on a wild pitch moments later as the Panthers took a 10-9 lead. But they weren't done yet.
Sean Hannan scored on a sac fly by
Bryce Murray, expanding the lead to 11-9.
Ryan Eisenauer lined one through the right side and then
Jeff Ross picked up two RBI on a ball smashed threw the shortstops legs. The Panthers entered the final half inning with a 13-9 advantage.
Tibbetts closed the game by striking out the side in order and picked up the win. It was a wonderful team victory and the Panthers capped off a great season in exciting fashion. They finished 17-19 and were just three wins shy of tying the school record for most wins in a season. Thank you to all of the fans for your continued support throughout the year; your loyalty and encouragement did not go unnoticed!
