Monday was not an easy ride for the Panthers as they fell 14-0 to the Oilmen at Dowling Park.

The Panthers were stymied by Oilmen pitcher Matt Lelito, who pitched five shutout innings giving up only two hits. Mike Bernas finished it out with two innings giving up only one hit. “I would just like to give credit to [Lelito],” coach D’Vante Glenn said after the game

“Their arm was something I don’t think we were expecting to see.” 

Two of the three Panthers’ hits were by Connor Janik, who upped his average on the season to an impressive .467. Aydin Wright also had a hit in his season debut playing first base.    

The Panthers will next play at Dowling Park in Hammond, Indiana on Tuesday against the Southland Vikings at 5 pm.Crestwood defeated Southland 11-9 last Thursday. 

A new Panther was added to the roster as well in outfielder Malik Staples. Staples is originally from Lynwood, Illinois and played in high school at Thornwood Fractional South High School. He also spent some time at Elev8 Baseball Academy in Florida.