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Isai Franco takes a big cut off a pitch during earlier action. Franco batted 2/4, recorded two RBIs, and scored a run in the Panthers' 11-6 victory over Cumby Friday. Photo by DJ Spencer
McFarlin scores three runs
CUMBY — The North Hopkins Panthers won their fourth straight game Friday after defeating the Cumby Trojans 11-6 on the road. Over the course of the game, the Panthers played well and never let their guard down, leading to the win.
The Panthers would take command right away with a trio of runs in the top of the first inning. Conner McFarlin, Griffen Arms, and Kameron Jenkins all scored, giving the Panthers a 3-0 lead. The Trojans then scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning, cutting the score to 3-2.
In the second inning, the Panthers added onto their lead. Runs by Mac Conner, Isai Franco, Mc-Farlin, and Arms would raise the score to 7-2. A run by the Trojans in the third inning reduced the score to 7-3.
Following a scoreless fourth inning, the Panthers would score again in the fifth inning. Junior Reyes, Frank Valdez, and Conner would come home, helping the Panthers extend their lead to 10-3.
After a scoreless sixth inning, the Panthers added onto their lead in the top of the seventh inning with a run by Conner, bringing the score to 11-3.
Though the Trojans tried to fight back with a trio of runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, it wasn’t enough, as the Panthers capped off an 11-6 victory.
As a team, the Panthers batted 16 for 33 (.485) from the plate. Conner led the way, going a perfect 3/3. Franco, Jenkins, Reyes, Stelts, and Valdez tallied two hits each, while Arms, Adin Godbolt, and AJ Horton added one hit each.
Conner also finished as the Panthers’ leading scorer with three runs. Arms and McFarlin scored two runs each, while Franco, Jenkins, Reyes, and Valdez added one run a peice.
McFarlin earned the win on the mound. Across five innings, he struck out nine batters, allowing only five walks, three hits, and three earned runs. Godbolt pitched the final two innings in relief, recording five strikeouts and allowing just three walks, three earned runs, and one hit.
With the win, the Panthers improved to 4-2 in district and 14-5 on the season. They resumed action Tuesday, welcoming the Yantis Owls to North Hopkins High School.