Panthers take both ends of double-header vs. Jay County
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The regular season for Western baseball can officially be called a success. The Panthers enter tournament play with a winning record (23-4) and a four-game winning streak, thanks in part to taking both ends of a double-header against visiting Jay County on May 24.
Western had to scrap to pull out the wins. In the first game, they played from behind from the outset. The Patriots put up a pair of runs in the first thanks to multiple walks and a hit batsman, forcing the Panthers to bringing Ashton Castillo in relief with just two outs recorded. That substitution spelled doom for Jay County.
Castillo put together a solid relief performance, mowing down the opposition like an overgrown lawn. He struck out 15 of the 25 batters he faced, holding Jay County to just one hit -- the only hit Jay County registered -- and one run in the second inning while walking six.
Western's bats kept them in the game while Castillo went to work. They erased the two-run deficit in the bottom of the first only to fall behind 3-2 in the second. The Patriots never saw the scoreboard again, and in the fourth the Panthers plated two runs to cement the 4-3 victory.
Western managed just three hits in the game but benefitted from some sketchy pitching from the Patriots. The Panthers were issued eight free passes during the game and were further assisted by a fielding miscue, all contributing to Western's run production.
Ryan Rodman led the Panthers with a pair of singles and two runs batted in. Brady Comer produced Western's only other hit.
Western kicks off its post-season in the opening round of the IHSAA tournament tonight, May 20, hosting West Lafayette (11-12). The two teams previously faced each other on April 10, and the Panthers put the run rule on their opponent, 13-3.
If successful, the Panther next would face the winner of the game between Maconaquah (15-9) and Northwestern (19-7), which also takes place May 29. That game will be played on Sat., May 31.
See additional photos from this contest, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern's Facebook page or group.