Panthers Edge Defiance, 4-3 on the Diamond

DEFIANCE, Ohio  --  Brandon Portales tossed his second complete game in a row on Friday, but a ninth-inning run from Hanover lifted the Panthers to the 4-3 victory over Defiance in the series opener at Rutter Field.

The Yellow Jackets played small ball early to take a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Lenny Koesters started the bottom of the frame with a leadoff single before stealing second base and advancing to third on a ground out two batters later. David Jackson then legged out a perfect two-out bunt single to plate Koesters.

Hanovers Kyle Barnett drew a leadoff walk to start the second inning and raced home with the tying run on a double off the bat of Lewis Johnson. Portales settled in to retire the next three batters in order, stranding Lewis at second and avoiding the big rally.

The two sides cruised through the next five innings gridlocked at 1-1 before each side busted through for a pair of runs in the eighth.                  

Three Hanover hits scored Dan Gillin and Joseph Cravens as the Panthers grabbed a temporarily lead at 3-1, but Defiance provided a rapid answer. Koesters started the rally once again with a single and a stolen base, before scooting to third on a single from LeTroy Harris.

A Jeremy Hawkins ground out forced Harris at second, but allowed Koesters to score and singles from David Jackson and Phil Kosier brought Hawkins around to tie the game at 3-3 heading to the ninth.

Hanover mounted a one-out rally in the ninth, loading the bases with a pair of singles and a walk before Will Pappano was hit by a pitch to force home the go-ahead run.

Portales retired the next two batters to leave the bases loaded, but DC left the potential trying run at third base in the bottom of the ninth and lost by the 4-3 margin.

The Yellow Jackets will host Hanover for a doubleheader on Saturday. The first game will begin at noon. DCs four seniors will be honored after the conclusion of the second game.