The Delavan Panthers showcased their determination to win Thursday night, battling past the Havana Ducks 4-3 in a thrilling matchup.

Leading the offensive charge was post-season powerhouse Kelton Nafziger (#33), who delivered a stellar performance at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two triples and a single, keeping the Panthers’ offense alive with each at-bat.

Havana struck first, putting a run on the board in the opening frame. But the Panthers weren’t fazed. They responded in the bottom of the third, reclaiming the lead with clutch RBIs from Wyatt Pierson (#28) and Corbin Soldal (#18). Soldal’s perfectly placed single down the left-field line helped solidify Delavan’s momentum.

On the mound, Bryson Horning (#22) delivered a gutsy performance, earning the win for the Panthers. The right-hander battled through five and one-third innings, allowing six hits and three runs (two earned), while striking out five and walking two. Braden Arrenholz (#14) then came in to shut down the Ducks, tossing one and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief, striking out three.

Offensively, the Panthers were relentless, tallying 10 hits. Soldal stepped up in the middle of the lineup, driving in two runs, while Arrenholz added two hits of his own. Delavan’s aggressive baserunning also played a key role, stealing four bases, while the defense executed two double plays to stifle Havana’s momentum.

The Panthers will face the Illinois Bluffs Tigers on their home field to play for the Regional Championship on Saturday, May 24th at 11:00 AM.