The Liberty County Panthers fell to the Richmond Hill Wildcats on Friday, losing 5-2. They also lost a non-region game to Houston County Saturday, 9-5. But came back to beat the Windsor Forest Knights 10-0 in five innings on Monday.
Monday’s home win was a non-region game and the Panthers are 11-9 overall and 6-5 in region 3-AAA.
They hold fourth place in the region, behind West Laurens, Thomson and Richmond Hill.
Richmond Hill recap
Panther coach David Samuel said pitcher Justin Eaton pitched 6 strong innings, allowing only 3 hits and a walk against the Wildcats batters.
"He kept Richmond Hill’s hitters off balance for much of the game," he said. "We had two errors and one misplayed ball which RH took advantage of. When they got runners on, they would get a key hit that would score a runner. Without the errors, we only allow 3 runs."
Samuel said hitting was an issue in their loss.
"In the 4th we had bases loaded and one out and could not get anyone in," he said. "In a situation like that, all I need is one guy to put a ball in play to score a run or two and we could not do it tonight."
Panther Chris Arnold had 2 doubles and 2 RBIs.
Samuel credited his shortstop in the Wildcat game.
"Eddie Chipple played an excellent shortstop against Richmond Hill," he said. "He made several tough plays on slowly hit balls which he charged and threw guys out on the run. He was terrific out there."
Richmond Hill 5, LC 2
Losing pitcher Justin Eaton 6IP, 3H, 5R, 3ER, 3K, 1BB
Leading hitters Chris Arnold 2-4, 2 2B, 2RBI, Eddie Chipple 1 hit, Justin Eaton 1 hit, Matt Desbiens 1 hit and Dylan Connelly 1 hit.
Windsor Forest recap
There was no lack of hits on Monday as the Panthers honored senior players, Chris Arnold, Justin Eaton and Zach Hensley with a 10-0 win in five innings against Windsor Forest.
"Tonight was exciting with the Senior Night festivities," Samuel said. "I am happy to have gotten a win on a night for these guys. I wish Chris, Justin and Zach nothing but the best for their future."
As for the future, freshman Dylan Connelly is on pace to help the varsity squad for the next few years.
"Dylan pitched a great game," Samuel said. "Throwing a no hitter is not easy no matter who the opponent is. Dylan came out throwing strikes and did a terrific job. He struck out 7 of 15 batters."
Panther Joe Watkins went 2-2 and Connelly was 2-3.
"Everyone helped to contribute in tonight’s win," the coach said. "We need to get on the winning track heading toward the playoffs. I want us to get on a roll before the regular season ends."
Eaton was walked 3 times and Chris Arnold was 1-2 with 2 RBIs. Hensley walked and scored a run.
LC 10, Windsor Forest 0
Winning pitcher Dylan Connelly, 5IP, 0H, 7K, 1BB
Leading hitters Joe Watkins 2-2, 1 2B, 2R, 1RBI, Eddie Chipple 2-3, 2R, 2RBI, Dylan Connelly 2-3, 1R, Matt Desbiens 1 hit, 1 RBI, Chris Arnold 1 hit, 2 RBI and Cody French 1 hit, 1R