Crestwood, Ill. – July 9, 2021 – Friday night’s matchup against the Northwest Indiana Oilmen (13-5) proved to be the first time in 2021 that the Crestwood Panthers (12-10) were held to no runs in a game. 

The Panthers, going a combined 1-for-27 at the plate, fell victim to the Oilmen 8-0, and, in the process, lost ground to the Joliet Generals, who occupy the second playoff spot in the MCL standings. 

Crestwood struggled out of the gate, and, as a team, recorded 12 strikeouts. Riley Beck (Purdue University-Northwest / Cedar Rapids, Iowa) posted the Panthers’ lone hit in the fifth inning, although designated hitter Ray Hilbrich (Purdue University-Northwest / Schererville, Ind.) added three walks in three plate appearances.  

On the mound, Keagan Bobbitt (Uncommitted / New Lenox, Ill.) dealt a gutsy 5 1/3 innings of relief, giving up two earned runs and striking out seven. Antwon Herndon-Walker (Calumet College / Hammond, Ind.) continued his dominant stretch as well, pitching a scoreless eighth inning, while striking out two batters.  

That said, walks hurt Crestwood significantly on Friday. The Oilmen drew 15 walks off Panthers’ pitching, and when considering that total to a one-hit performance on offense, it is apparent that improvement is to be expected moving forward. 

Fortunately, the Panthers will return to action on Saturday afternoon, as they oppose the Chicago American Giants from Irving Park. Due to technical difficulties, the game will not be live-streamed. That said, fans can follow the Panthers’ social media accounts for updates beginning at 1 P.M.