The Delavan Panthers experienced a day of highs and lows on Saturday, falling to the Heyworth Hornets in Game 1 but rallying to defeat Christian Life Academy (CLA) in Game 2.

Game 1

The Panthers started the day strong, taking a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning after Kyi Westbrook, number 27, singled, driving in two runs. However, the Hornets dominated the fifth inning, scoring seven runs on six hits to take control of the game and ultimately secure an 11-2 victory.

Wyatt Pierson, number 28, took the loss for the Panthers, giving up eight runs (three earned) on eight hits over 4.2 innings.

In a standout moment, Panthers catcher Kelton Nafziger, number 33, turned a defensive gem into a double play. Nafziger fielded a laser throw from right fielder Corie Green, number 11, cutting off Hornet runner Boston Katz, number 7, in a rundown between third base and home plate. After successfully tagging Katz out, Nafziger swiftly fired the ball to shortstop Corbin Soldal, number 18, who applied the tag on Braydon Laesch, number 27, attempting to advance to third. The brilliant defensive sequence electrified the crowd.

Westbrook stood out for Delavan at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Despite their efforts, the Panthers couldn’t overcome the Hornets’ fifth-inning surge.

Game 2

The Panthers bounced back in Game 2 with a hard-fought 6-4 win over Christian Life Academy. CLA struck first in the third inning with an RBI double by Logan Hadsall, number 25, but Delavan responded with a game-tying single from Cameron McMullen, number 24.

CLA regained the lead in the fourth, but the Panthers took it back in the bottom of the inning thanks to a two-run triple by Corie Green. The game remained tight as CLA pulled ahead again in the fifth, but Delavan’s offense came alive in the bottom of the inning. RBIs from Colton Miller, number 15, Hudson Briggs, number 2, and a sacrifice by Wyatt Pierson secured the Panthers’ lead for good.

Miller earned the win, throwing two and a quarter scoreless innings in relief, while Trace Kight-Garlisch, number 9, struck out six over four innings as the starter. Delavan amassed nine hits in the game, led by Green’s two RBIs and leadoff hitter Braden Arrenholz, number 14, who went 2-for-4. The Panthers also flashed their speed, stealing eight bases. Whenever Arrenholz reached base, he was almost guaranteed to swiftly steal second. 

With the split results, the Panthers remain focused and eager to build on their Game 2 success. They’ll travel to face ROWVA/Williamsfield Cougars on Monday.