LOUISVILLE, KY - Due to the weather forecast at Principia, Saturday's matchup against the Spalding Golden Eagles was relocated to Spalding's home field in Louisville on Friday.
The Panthers, still looking for their first conference victory, turned to senior Chris Strong to give them a quality start on the mound in game one. After walking the first three Spalding batters, Strong worked his way out of the jam striking out the next two and inducing an inning-ending fly out to left. Principia picked up their first and only hit of the game off the bat of Ryan D'Amico in the top of the second. Spalding cracked the scoreboard in the bottom of the second with their first run on a throwing error. The Panthers bats were unable to get them back into the game. In the bottom of the sixth, up 6-0, the Golden Eagles tacked on four runs to take a 10-0 lead and take game one of the series.
Game two featured senior Jack Adler on the mound, who also threw a scoreless first inning. Spalding picked up nine runs on eight hits in the second to take a comfortable lead. The trouble at the plate continued for the Panthers until the top of the sixth. Jeremy Ramirez-Garcia started off the inning getting hit by a pitch, which was followed by a single off the bat of Salvador Flores. Adler then singled and drove in the Panthers' first run to end the scoreless streak. Tim Eissler followed that up with an RBI double, before a wild pitch allowed Adler to score. Alejandro Zozaya then worked a walk, and Ryan D'Amico singled to plate Principia's fourth run of the inning. The next three batters were retired to end the threat. In the final inning, Edgar Haro drew a walk to reach base for the first time in his collegiate career.
Next Up: The Panthers have their final two games of the season starting at 12 PM on Saturday, May 7th at home against Greenville University. The Panthers will recognize and honor their seniors, Chris Strong and Jack Adler, between the games.
