Crissy Dawson | Staff Writer | dawson.ck@gmail.com
Panthers drop Game 1 of their first Big 8 Conference series
City College baseball was not able to hold onto an early lead March 10, and lost 2-1 in Game 1 of a three-game series against the American River College Beavers.
The Panthers started strong with a run in the second inning. Catcher Austin Spainhour scored after a sacrifice fly by third baseman Tyler Houlihan.
The Panthers tried to get something going in the fifth inning, but came up short. Houlihan hit a single up the middle, but was tagged out when he attempted to steal second base.
City College starting pitcher Ben Ritchey helped the Panthers hold on to the narrow lead and allowed no runs in six innings.
The game turned around for the Beavers in the seventh inning. Right fielder Alex Gaskin hit a triple to left-center field. He later stole home on a wild pitch, which tied the game 1-1.
“I think today we just got too comfortable,” said Ritchey.
The Beavers’ offense was able to get two more hits in the top of the fifth, but the Panthers’ defense was able to prevent any more runs.
In the eighth inning, the Beavers had two more hits and one run scored by second baseman Steve Mercado.
The Panthers were not able to get any more hits, but not for lack of trying. During the eighth and ninth innings, the Panthers either grounded out, lined out, or flied out.
“Today was a little rough, but anytime you get a Tuesday starter, it’s pretty rough, because Tuesday guys are always really good,” said first baseman Brandon Langan. “But we have a good Tuesday guy too. That’s why it was a 2-1 ballgame.”
The Panthers have two more games in the three-game series against American River College. Game 2 is March 12, and the final game of the series is March 14.
For more stats and information on City College baseball, visit http://sccpanthers.losrios.edu/sports/bsb/index
