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Adin Godbolt (9) takes a big cut off of a pitch during earlier action. Godbolt batted batted 1/1 and scored a run in the Panthers' 6-5 loss to Linden-Kildare Wednesday. He also pitched 6 2/3 innings, tallying five strikeouts. Photo by DJ Spencer
NH couldn’t close game out
LONGVIEW — The North Hopkins Panthers suffered a disappointing loss in Game One of their Bi-District playoff series against the Linden-Kildare Tigers Wednesday at Longview High School, falling 6-5. Though they battled back to take the lead heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Panthers weren’t able to complete the comeback, as the Tigers won the game and took control of the series.
The first inning would be scoreless, as both defenses played well. The second winning would be more of the same, as the scoreless tie persisted.
The Tigers would get on the board first in the third inning, scoring a pair of runs and taking a 2-0 lead. This would be followed by a scoreless fourth inning.
The fifth inning would feature any scoring as well, as the Tigers maintained their lead. The Tigers would add a pair of runs in the sixth inning, increasing their lead to 4-0.
With their backs against the wall, the Panthers began playing harder in the top of the seventh inning. Kameron Jenkins would put the Panthers on the board with a run, trimming the score to 4-1.
Adin Godbolt and Junior Reyes were the next ones to score, cutting the score to 4-3. Riker Berry would score next, tying the score at 4-4. Later on, Kasen Gammil scored on a wild pitch, giving the Panthers a 5-4 lead.
The bottom of the seventh inning started with consecutive outs. Unfortunately, the Panthers weren’t able to close the game out, as the Tigers scored two unanswered run, earning a 6-5 walk-off win.
As a team, the Panthers batted 3 for 22 (.136) from the plate. Isai Franco, Godbolt, and Reyes all recorded one hit each. Berry, Gammill, Godbolt, Jenkins, and Reyes all scored one run each.
Godbolt suffered the loss on the mound. Across 6 2/3 innings, despite recording five strikeouts, he surrendered eight hits and six runs (four earned). Jenkins also made a pitching appearance, but didn’t record an out.
With the loss, the Panthers fell behind 0-1 in the series and dropped to 15-7 on the season. They resumed action Friday, playing in Game Two of the series at Chisum High School. At the time of press, no score has been reported for that game.