BASEBALL DROPS SERIES TO SBVC

"It's hard to overcome 12 walks on the pitching side," commented Head Coach Andy Smith about yesterday's 10-8 loss to San Bernardino Valley.  "We had a much better day offensively."

In a bid to take a game from SBVC, the Panthers came out swinging, racking up three runs to start the game.  With one out and two on base, Steven Mara knocked his second homer of the season for 3RBIs.  In the 2nd, Jared Bujanda knocked a single to rightfield to score Alex Cummings.  Cummings also reached on a single.  SBVC evened it out in the 2nd with a single and a triple of Brynden Rodriguez.  Rodriguez remained in the game through four, with 6 runs, 6 hits, 6 walks, and 6 strikeouts.  

In the 4th, Bujanda grounded into a double play but it was enough to get Cummings across the plate again and break the tie, 5-4.  SBVC scored two in the inning and then another in the 5th to give the Wolverines a two run advantage.

Cummings was able to score again in the 6th off a walk, a wild pitch, a Bujanda single, and finally a passed ball.  Then Mara singled to drive Bujanda across; again tying the game.

A 7th inning rally by Valley took the score to 10-7.  A final push by the Bujanda/Cummings duo in the 9th scored one additional run but the Panthers could not pull off the four necessary for the win giving SBVC the series 4-0.

"We didn't stay detailed in some areas and that cost us the game.  It's a tough pill to swallow getting swept but we have 10 games left.  We need to finish strong and see where we land," Smith said of the final push of his rookie season.

The Panthers have a week to regroup and will begin a three-game series with Cerro Coso on the 12th.