Panthers take win over Lions
SILOAM SPRINGS — The Panthers bounced back from Tuesday’s sweep with an 11-5 nonconference win over Gravette on Senior Night, but the victory had a somber ending to it.
Junior Jacob Gilbert, who is one of the Panthers’ infielders and top pitchers, suffered a leg injury while playing second base in the top of the fifth inning and will miss the remainder of the season.
The stunned Panthers led 7-5 after five innings but scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth to put the game away.
“These players are so resilient,” said Siloam Springs coach Alan Hardcastle. “Coming off the worse loss ever they still come back ready to fight. Nobody on this team has packed it up yet. To get the win on senior night made it even more special.”
Gravette took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Siloam Springs scored six runs in the bottom of the second to take a 6-2 lead.
Gravette scored a run to pull within 6-3 in the top of the third, but the Panthers answered with a run.
The Lions (6-15) scored twice in the fifth to pull within 7-5.
Brayden Fain led the Panthers (13-10) with two hits, a run and three RBIs, while Andrew Pilcher and Elijah Coffey each had a hit and two RBIs. Pilcher scored a run while Coffey scored twice.
Gilbert had two hits and scored two runs before leaving with the injury.
“When Jacob went down last night there were so many different emotions,” Hardcastle said. “Players were mad, hurt and confused. The coaching staff rallied the team and our unselfish seniors said ‘let’s win this one for Jacob.’”
Gilbert was 5-2 with a 2.33 ERA on the mound and leads the Panthers with 33 innings pitched.
“We’re definitely going to miss Jacob. He’s more than just an infielder, pitcher, and hitter. Jacob is such a great teammate, leader and is actually funny. This team has something to prove and will be playing for Jacob.”
Nathan Lee, Gavin Henson, J.P. Wills, and Lucas Junkermann all added hits for the Panthers. Junkermann scored and drove in a run, while Lee scored a run, Nolan Wills, Ryder Winfrey and Christian Ledeker scored runs.
Ledeker got the win with four innings of work and five strikeouts. Fain pitched the final three innings.
Wyatt Coffelt took the loss for Gravette, while Gunner Woolard also threw an inning of relief.
Jake Carver and Noah Tawney each had a hit, run and RBI for the Lions, while Cy Hilger and Isaiah Larson each had a hit and scored a run.
Seniors Elijah Coffey, Nathan Lee and Gavin Henson were honored after the game. The Panthers have another home game scheduled against Rogers Heritage on April 29.