Game 1

The Delavan Panthers took control early and held strong late to secure a 5-3 victory over the Deer Creek-Mackinaw Chiefs on Saturday.

The Panthers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, taking advantage of an error in the first inning to plate their first run. They then exploded in the second, building a commanding five-run lead. Braden Arrenholz singled to left, Kelton Nafziger was hit by a pitch, Wyatt Pierson drew a walk, and a passed ball allowed another run to score—all contributing to the early offensive push.

Dee-Mack mounted a comeback effort, getting on the board with a solo home run, a double, and a single to chip away at the Panthers' lead, but the Delavan defense held firm.

On the mound, Pierson dominated, going six innings and allowing only five hits and two runs while striking out nine and walking two to earn the win. Shane Correll took the loss for the Chiefs after two innings of work, surrendering five runs (three earned) while striking out two and walking four. Bryson Horning came in to lock down the save.

Arrenholz led the Panthers’ offense with two hits in three at-bats from the leadoff spot. Nafziger, Pierson, and Arrenholz each drove in a run, with Arrenholz swiping two bases.

Game 2

A dominant second inning propelled the Dee-Mack Chiefs to victory over the Delavan Varsity Panthers, claiming a 7-3 win on Saturday.

The Chiefs wasted no time, getting on the board in the first inning after an error allowed a run to score. But it was the second inning where they did the most damage, tallying six runs on three hits to build a commanding lead. Vinnie Peek and Parker Eggenberger each delivered RBI singles, while Chuck Hathaway cleared the bases with a clutch three-run double. Brody Williams capped the explosive inning with a bases-loaded walk, bringing in another run.

Hudson Briggs provided relief for the Panthers, throwing three and one-third innings, giving up just one hit and one run while striking out three. Corie Green, who started for Delavan, suffered the loss after allowing seven runs (six earned) over one inning of work.

For the Panthers, Wyatt Pierson, Bryson Horning, and Cameron McMullen each drove in a run, while Corbin Soldal went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the team in hits. Defensively, the Panthers turned a double play in the game.

The Panthers will look to bounce back when they welcome Havana on Tuesday for their next game.