Tyler Nichoson pitched the
first three innings of a combined no-hitter with Hunter Mehrinh for
Principia. Principia athletics photo |
ELSAH, ILL. -- The Principia Panthers took on
the Illinois College Blueboys in a non-conference matchup today and
ended up splitting the games with Principia winning game one and
Illinois College taking game two. In game one sophomore
Tyler Nichoson and freshman Hunter Mehring
combined to throw a no hitter for the Panthers and defeat the
Illinois College Blueboys 1-0 in a great pitcher duel. Tyler got
the start going 3 strong innings and striking out 4 to earn his
first college victory. Hunter came in relief and pitched 4 strong
innings and also striking out 4. Hunter earned the save for
the Panthers. Both pitchers were in command all afternoon and kept
the Blueboys hitters off balance.
The Panthers earned the walk-off victory as junior Christian
Thomas walked with the bases loaded to drive in the winning
run. Scott Ross singled to start the inning and
Bryce Murray reached on a fielder's choice as he
attempted to bunt Scott to second base. Logan McDowell
was hit by a pitch and Connor Coyne walked to load the
bases. The Panthers failed to score on a fly ball off the bat of
Ed Bargmann. The Panthers were able to overcome this
mental lapse as Christian Thomas had a great at bat
drawing the bases load walk to win the game. The Panthers played
solid defense in the field behind their two pitchers.
Offensively, the Panthers were led by Gavin Thomas who
finished the game 2 for 3 with a double. Connor Coyne
finished 1 for 2 with a double and Christian Thomas,
Ed Bargmann, and Scott Ross all finished with
a hit.
In game two, the Panthers rally came up short as they fell to the
Blueboys 7-5. In the 7th inning the Panthers had an
opportunity to tie the game, but the Blueboys were able to work out
of the jam. With one out, Hunter Mehring singled and
then Bryce Murray followed with a single. The Blueboys
pitchers were able to get a fly out and strikeout to end the
threat.
Freshman Sawyer Grow got the start in game two and went
four innings, scattering 8 hits, and allowing 3 earned runs. Sawyer
battled through the start and kept the game close. The bullpen
pitched well as freshman Parker Tibbetts and freshman
Jemlok Farson each pitched scoreless innings. Junior
Dallen Russell came in relief in the 7th
inning. With the score knotted at 5-5 the Blueboys were able to
rally for 2 runs before Dallen could shut the door. Dallen worked
out of the jam and kept the game within reach 7-5.
Offensively the Panthers were led by freshman Ed
Bargmann who finished the game 3 for 4. Christian
Thomas, Hunter Mehring, and Bryce
Murray also had two hits apiece. Hunter drove in two runs.
Gavin Thomas continued to swing a hot bat, finishing 1
for 3 with 3 RBI's. Connor Coyne also contributed a
hit.
Overall, it was a solid weekend of baseball as the Panthers
finished with 3 victories and 1 loss. The Panthers enjoyed the
great support from all of their fans! The Panthers will be back in
action on Tuesday April 1st for a conference game
against Fontbonne University with the first pitch slated for 6pm in
Elsah.