The North Hopkins Panthers defeated Dodd City on the road Saturday, 9-5.
The Panthers scored three runs in the top of the first and Dodd City scored one of their own. The Panthers went up 5-1 with a pair of runs in the top of the second. Dodd City scored two runs in the third and two more in the fourth to tie the game at 5-5. The Panthers broke the tie with a run in the top of the fifth and then added three more runs in the top of the sixth.
The Panthers used three pitchers in the win. Chase Williams went the first two innings allowing only one earned run and one hit while striking out four and walking two. Caleb Wyatt picked up the pitching win working three and two-thirds innings allowing nine hits and four earned runs while striking out seven and walking two. Wyatt Wharton wrapped up the game going one and a third innings allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out two and walking one.
Dodd City actually outhit the Panthers eleven to seven. Victor Rojo drove in two runs with two sacrifice flies. Williams was 2 for 2 with a run scored, two RBIs,a walk and a sacrifice fly. Wyatt was 2 for 3 with two runs scored, an RBI, a walk and two doubles. Wharton scored two runs, drew a walk and had an RBI on a sacrifice fly. The swift Panthers stole ten bases including four by Williams, three by Brycen Gillespie and one each from Colby Cameron, Blane Hocutt and Wharton. The Panthers face Detroit in a best two out of three bi-district playoff series this coming Thursday through Saturday.
