Bulldogs edge Panthers in league showdown
A diving effort wasn’t enough as this ball got past Central’s JT Girod in Monday’s 3-2 loss to West Albany. The Panthers host Corvallis Friday. First pitch is at 4:30 p.m. Photo by Lance Masterson
In a game that provided players and fans with a playoff atmosphere, it’s fitting that the winning run didn’t cross the plate until the final inning.
It was then that a solo home run provided visiting West Albany, the state’s top-ranked Class 5A team, with a 3-2 victory over the Panthers varsity baseball team.
“I think both teams played good baseball,” Central coach Ben Kramer said of the nail biter.
Kramer praised his team’s pitching and defense. But added room for improvement remains.
“We learned that we need to be better at small details in the game. Missing signs and not executing small things on offense took us out of a couple innings,” Kramer said. “Just a couple of plays on offense where we didn't execute. That was the difference in us having a chance to win that baseball game.”
On a positive note, the Panthers (6-2, 14-4 overall) learned Monday they they can play with the best.
"The expectation is to learn from these past two games and bring a different level of focus into our practices as the second half of our league schedule (features) some tough games,” Kramer said.
Central was blanked 7-0 by the Bulldogs April 19th in the opener of the two-game series.
Starting pitcher Derek Brinton scattered six hits over six innings for the Panthers. He allowed one earned run.
Freshman Joe Mendazona provided the team’s offensive spark, as he had two hits, including a solo home run.
The Panthers now face Corvallis. They are at the Spartans on Wednesday and host them Friday. Games are at 4 p.m. and 4:30, respectively.
Though not as talented as West Albany (8-0, 15-1), the Spartans can’t be overlooked, especially with Crescent Valley, the league’s other undefeated team, on the horizon.
Corvallis is “a solid team,” Kramer said. “We need to be more aggressive offensively and keep throwing strikes and making routine plays on defense and will be right back on track.”
