Tara Simon was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run, Anna Stork 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI. Hannah Lundberg and Anna Lundberg each had a hit and scored a run.
Anna Lundberg was the winning pitcher, allowing two earned runs on eight hits, striking out seven and walking four.
“This was much better defense today than our last game,” said Schultz.
The Panthers won another close one in game two, taking a 7-6 decision.
“It was a great team win,” said Schultz. “Everyone played great team defense.”
Hannah Lundberg swung the big bat, going 3-for-4 with two runs and two stolen bases. Alyssa Esplan was 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and an RBI, Harrington 2-for-4 with a double, one run and two RBIs. Simon had a hit and drove in two runs.
Anna Lundberg again went the distance on the mound, this time scattering 12 hits while giving up four earned runs, walking two and fanning two.
Hannah Lundberg made the defensive play of the day in the bottom of the seventh with runners on first and second, diving for a catch in foul territory to preserve the win. With two outs and the bases loaded, Simon fielded a hard hit ball and touched third to end the game.
“Anna continues to pitch well for us,” said Schultz. “She is very consistent and doesn’t walk many batters.”
The previous Friday, the Panthers suffered their lone loss of the year, 14-0 to Blooming Prairie. Stork had the lone hit off the Blossoms’ Shelbi Swanson, who struck out 11 and walked none. Anna Lundberg was reached for 14 hits and six walks. She struck out four.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have many highlights,” said Schultz. “This was not a well played game. Defensively, we committed eight errors.”
The previous day was another story as the Panthers defeated United South Central 9-4.
Offensive leaders were Stork 2-for-4, four stolen bases; and Harrington 2-for-4. Adding one hit each: Simon, Hannah Lundberg, Esplan, Morgan Thiele, Stormi Hagen, Haley Deml, Anna Lundberg and Ryann Hagen.
Anna Lundberg gave up no earned runs in six innings, with four strikeouts and trhee walks.
“We playe decent defense and were aggressive on the base paths,” said Schultz. “Everyone on the team got a hit, but 10 strikeouts is way too many. We need to work on that. It was just enjoyable to get outside and play a game.”
The action brought the Panthers’ record to 3-1 in the Gopher Conference and 4-1 overall.
