Sauget, ILL. -- With snow in the forecast for Friday, the Panthers rescheduled their season opener to Thursday and hosted the Crowley's Ridge Pioneers at GCS Ballpark. With a game time temperature of 48 degrees, the Panthers took the infield for the first time this year. Weather has been an issue for the Panthers and they had only been outside twice and even then were only able to get on the outfield grass. The Panthers were excited to get outside and start the season even with the cool temperatures.
Alex Stamos started for the Panthers and picked up right where he left off last season holding the Pioneers scoreless in the top half of the first. The Panthers jumped out to an early lead taking advantage of a hit-by-pitch and walk and a few wild pitches to take an early 2-0 lead. Freshman
Jack Adler earned his first career hit in his first at-bat by beating out an infield single. Stamos continued rolling before giving up two unearned runs in the third. In the fourth the Pioneers took the lead after a dropped fly ball allowed the leadoff batter to reach second. A sacrifice bunt and aggressive base running scored the runner from second as the Panthers were caught off guard. Crowley's starter settled in and held the Panthers scoreless going into the bottom of the seventh. Junior catcher
Ryan Eisenauer pulled the team together and shared some inspiring words to calm and focus the team. With one out,
Liam Foster singled and stole second to get in scoring position.
Aleq McMullin walked and drew the pitching change. The change paid off and the Panthers were down to their final out.
Stephen Strong ripped a line drive over the shortstops head to push the Panthers on top.
Jack Adler scorched a line drive right at the center fielder to end the inning. All tied up,
Chris Stamos held the Pioneer bats at bay going three strong innings in his first collegiate appearance.
Jack Adler pitched the 9
th keeping Crowley's off the scoreboard. The Panther's were at the top of their lineup and had some great at bats which led to four walks as
Ryan Eisenauer drew the walk-off walk to take game one 4-3.
Game two was a completely different game. With temperatures dropping, the Panther bats were heating up. Batting through the lineup in the first inning the Panthers scored four runs highlighted by a
Jack Adler three-run home run. The second inning was more of the same with the first three Panthers reaching, junior
Stephen Strong picked up his second grand slam of his career. The Panthers scored two more in the fourth on Adler's second home run of the game.
Aleq McMullin, game two starter, struck out six in four innings pitched before
Stephen Strong pitched a 1-2-3 fifth before the game was called due to inclement weather. The Panthers took game two 10-1.
Next Up:
The Panthers are headed to Danville, KY to play Centre College and Dominican on Saturday February 23
rd.
