Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 Elsah, ILL. - The Panthers returned to action this afternoon as they hosted the Westminster Blue Jays. Though the Panthers started off well in game one, they ended up dropping both games to the Blue Jays. The scores were 13-6 and 11-0 though both games were closer than the final scores may indicate.
Game 1
The Panthers jumped out to an early lead in the opener.
Will Adler held the Blue Jays scoreless in the top of the first. The Panthers then pieced together a six-run first inning capped off by a
Stephen Strong grand slam.
Adler held the Blue Jays' potent offense scoreless through the first three innings. However, the Blue Jays rallied in the fourth and fifth innings as they scored seven and six runs respectively. The Blue Jays' 13-6 advantage proved to be too much to overcome as the Panthers were held at bay the remainder of the afternoon. The final in game one was 13-6 in favor of the visitors.
Game 2
Parker Tibbetts received the start on the mound and threw well in game two. He allowed two runs through the first four innings before giving up a three run homer in the fifth. Tibbetts didn't receive any run support as the Blue Jays' ace, freshman Sam Huesgen, kept the Panthers' offense in check.
This marked the first time the Panthers were shutout in the 2017 season. The Blue Jays plated 11 runs in game two and won 11-0.
The highlight of the game was when senior
John Challenger stepped to the plate in the final inning. Challenger appeared as a pinch hitter and after being down in the count 0-2, he proceeded to connect for his first collegiate base hit. Challenger hit the ball down the third base line and beat it out and received an ovation from his teammates and those in attendance. After the game Challenger commented: "After standing on deck in game one, I was anxious to do something the next game. All during the second game, I patiently waited for that next opportunity. When I got it, I didn't waste it."
The Panthers are now 13-8 and 4-3 in the SLIAC. The Blue Jays improved to 11-6 and 6-3 in conference play. The Panthers have the next few days off before traveling to Jacksonville, IL, this Thursday to play two against the MacMurray Highlanders. The Panthers next home game is slated for this Friday versus the Blackburn Beavers at 6:00 p.m.
