After a quiet top of the first for the Panthers offence, the defense was looking to continue its’ solid start to the season. Unfortunately this was not the case, as back to back to back singles had the T-Cats up a run early in the inning. They followed this up with a 2 run, 2 out single to end the first up 3-0 over the Panthers. Trailing for the first time all season the Panthers began clawing back at the lead in their next at bats with four straight singles that plated 2 runners (#99 & #93 Shawn and Patrick Donnelly) cutting the lead to 3-2. The inning was doesn’t there as the Panthers managed to load the bases and looked to be threatening again until a fielder’s choice on a play at the plate and a pop out ended the inning.
Still trailing 3-2 going into the top of the fourth inning the Panthers decided it was time to wake up and take control of the game. With 8 of the first 9 batters reaching base either by singles or walks the Panthers took the lead and control of the game, which they wouldn’t soon let go of. To cap off the inning with 2 outs and the bases loaded lead off batter, #57 Ryan Jones came to the plate and drove a ball to deep centre field for a grand slam, and the first homerun of the year for the Panthers. When the dust settled there had been 7 hits and 3 walks for a total of 9 runs in the fourth to put the Panthers up 11-3.
Each team added a run in their next at bats bumping the score to 12-4 going into the bottom of the fifth inning. Trying to avoid the 8 run mercy rule the T-Cats went up looking to push a run across to extend the game. Panthers closer #41 Harold Passmore was more then up to the task, retiring the first two batters with ease before giving up a two out single. The base runner was short lived because while trying to steal 2nd he was thrown out to end the game.
#17 Matt Martiniello led the overall hitting attack going 3 for 3. #99 Shawn Donnelly, #93 Patrick Donnelly and #98 Dan Keith all had 2 hits as well. #9 Dave Size was the beneficiary of the Panthers uprising coming in to relieve starter #23 Kevin ‘Nutty’ Ford in the 3rd inning.
Breaking out of their slump to score 12 runs (after only scoring 7 over the first 3 games) was a nice wake up for the Panthers who look to continue their winning ways against their next opponents, the 2-2-1 Knights Corner.
Player(s) of the game: #57 Ryan Jones & #17 Matt Martiniello