Panthers Down Tigers In Tight NLC Baseball GameIn a game much closer than the score, NorthWood Baseball knocked off the Tigers 6-3 Wednesday night. Warsaw finished with the advantage in hits but was hampered by errors and other fielding mistakes.
The Panthers were able to capitalize on many of those Warsaw mistakes while limiting their own. Matt Dutkowski scored North-Wood’s initial run on an error in the first inning. Kyler Hauptli drove in two more runs with a third-inning line drive. The Tigers would trail 3-0 until the fourth inning, when Matthew Shoemaker scored on a Jacob Hutcherson hit.
Even after allowing the early advantage, Warsaw managed to hang in the game. They trailed only 6-3 entering the bottom of the seventh, and quickly loaded the bases. An unlucky ground ball hit a baserunner approaching second, ending the game with three runners stranded.
Cooper Davis earned the win for Northwood. The 5’11 junior allowed three runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out two. Davis was replaced by Jason Cripe in the 5th, while Kyler Hauptli earned the save in the seventh inning. Between the two, Haupti and Cripe held the Tiger offense to just one hit and no runs in the final two frames.
Matt Dutkowski was a force for the Panthers, finishing 2 for 3 with two runs, a double, and an RBI. Kyler Hauptli, who also hit a double, finished with a team high two RBIs. Dutkowski, Hauptli, and Jack Wysong all recorded doubles for the Panthers.
For the most part, Warsaw’s offense matched Northwood. The Tigers finished with eight hits, one more than the Panthers. Matt Shoemaker and Ian Glogovsky led the team with two hits apiece, with Glogovsky recorded an RBI as well. Liam “Pattyboy” Patton and Jacob Hutcherson also finished with an RBI each.
Warsaw pitcher Joey Springer took the loss but displayed his stamina by throwing 101 pitches. Springer allowed four earned runs on seven hits, striking out two Northwood batters. He was replaced in the seventh inning by closer Ian Glogovsky, who recorded three consecutive outs to keep the Tigers in contention.
Warsaw was hindered throughout the game by its fielding, at least according to head coach Andy Manes. “The game of baseball is pitching and defense. We pitched very well today, but the defense kind of let us down. We need to button that up… you can’t change [where the ball lands], but you can change how you play defense.”” However, Manes remained optimistic about his team. “It’s great to be leading this group of guys. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t fulfilling, we love teaching the kids and watching them become better players and people.”
Warsaw (7-12) will look to bounce back at home Friday against Northridge.
