FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nick Kane

Highland High School

[email protected]

773-595-6191

Highland, IN- JULY 27- With a fourth win in a row for the Panthers and a fourth loss in a row for the Miracle, the Indiana Panthers magic number is now a narrow three. The Panthers picked an ideal time to play their best baseball. They are playing well all-around and using their home ballpark to their advantage. Being able to take care of business at home has been a huge reason why the Panthers have won seven of their last ten. The Panthers continued this trend with their impressive 11-0 win versus the Generals Thursday night. 

Panthers fans got their first look at the Dubuque pitcher Patrick Rafferty. Rafferty impressed as he cruised through the Generals lineup and had several dominant stretches throughout his six innings of work.

“Being with a new team, I wanted to impress the players and coaches. As soon as I stepped foot on that mound, I felt at home and did my thing.”

In his six shutout innings, Rafferty struck out eight and only allowed four hits. Two of those came in the first inning. Rafferty’s tremendous start was enough to earn him the win.

“Being able to establish the corners of the plate and hitting them consistently was really my mindset and what ultimately worked out.”

The Panthers had no problem giving Rafferty run support as the offense exploded for a third consecutive game.

The Panthers started the scoring early as Jason Krol brought in two with a base hit down the third base line. The following inning, Ryan Doubek hit a sac-fly to make it 3-0.

The Panthers continued the scoring every inning trend in the third when Brek Baranoski hit a three-run shot over the left field fence to make it 6-0. 

The Panthers put up three more in the fourth inning as Horacio Cabrales brought in two with a double. Baranoski brought him in with a base hit for his fourth RBI of the day.

The Panthers added two more in the fifth as Krol scored on a wild pitch and Baranoski brought in his fifth run of the day by drawing a walk with the bases loaded.

The Panthers continued to give the Generals some trouble as they have done all year by getting production all over the lineup card and a quality pitching start. This 11-0 win in the series finale improves the Panthers record to 12-2 on the year against Griffith. They also eliminated them from playoff contention with this victory. The Panthers will look to expand to their four game winning streak Friday, July 28 in a massive game against the fifth place Elkhart County Miracle. Major playoff implications will be on the line for both teams. 

BOX SCORE - 

http://thenorthernleaguestats.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/boxscores/20230727_xt1w.xml