The baseball team capped the week with a 2–1 record against Southwestern University in its first non-conference series of the year.
The Southwestern Pirates put up three runs in the first inning of the series opener -- all runs coming with two outs. The Panthers got on the board in the top of the sixth when infielder Justin Han ’20 was walked and outfielder Henry Strmecki ’21 scored on two errors. Two runners were stranded in the top of the seventh as the Panthers were unable to tack on a game-tying run.
Trailing 2–0 after the fourth inning of game two, a walk from infielder Hayden Smith ’20 and a two-run homer from infielder Andrew Gough ’22 got the fifth-inning rally started for the Panthers. With the bases loaded, senior infielder Kevin Woodring hit a grand slam to put Middlebury ahead, 7–2. The Panthers added a run in the top of the sixth, ultimately winning 8–4.
Pitcher Alex Price ’22 earned the win over five innings, allowing just two runs and four hits with seven strikeouts.
In the series rubber match, the Panthers pushed across three runs in the top of the 11th inning, putting the finishing touches on a 9-8 victory. Pitcher Drew Martinson ’20 picked up the win on two scoreless innings, striking out three.
Isabella Marcus is a sports editor.
