The 3rd Man In

Panthers get swept in opening series

In the Milwaukee Panthers final two games of their opening series against CSU Bakersfield, they struggled to play a complete game as they started off strong, but made numerous mistakes to allow the Roadrunners to win both times.

On Saturday the Panthers started off hot putting two runs on the scoreboard in the first inning, but went cold the rest of the game only scoring one more run even though they record a total of 11 hits on the day.  The Panthers ended up losing 8-3 to Bakersfield.

The Panthers could not take advantage of their opportunities as they stranded 12 runners on base. This is unacceptable and will cost any team games if you cannot make the timely hits to get runners in, but with the season being early it is not a huge surprise.

Milwaukee jumped out to the lead right away scoring two runs in the first inning as Luke Meeteer started the inning off recording a double.  Meeteer scored was then able to score the first run of the game on an RBI single by Mitch Ghelfi. Tyler Hermann continued the rally hitting a single through the left side of the infield, scoring Mike Porcaro who walked earlier in the inning.

The Roadrunners tied the game up quickly scoring two runs of their own in the bottom of the first.

The Panthers then came back in the second inning and put pressure on the defense, as they had the bases loaded, but could not find away to get a single runner home.

Bakersfield then came back in the third and chipped on a run to go up 3-2. This was the closest the game got, as the Roadrunners continued to add to their lead in the final six innings.

Jake Tuttle got the nod in the second game of the series, but never was able to get comfortable on the mound allowing six runs on seven hits in less than four innings of work.

On Sunday the Panthers tried to avoid getting swept, but fell to the Roadrunners 9-3.

Once again the Panthers led early as they scored a run in the first inning and two in the third to go up 3-2 after three innings, but it was Bakersfield who dominated the rest of the game as they scored the final seven runs.

Unlike the first two games of the series, the Panthers struggled defensively committing four errors, leading to seven Bakersfield’s runs.

Brian Keller got the start for the Black and Gold, as the sophomore had a great first outing throwing five innings with three strikeouts while only allowing two earned runs.

It was not an easy series for the Panthers, and while it would have been nice to win at least one game, it is unfair to expect Milwaukee to beat a very talented team this early in the season.

With this being Milwaukee’s first time playing outdoors this season, it was not a surprise how they performed. They had moments that they did something’s well, but other times you could tell that they still were a little rusty.

The Panthers struggled with their situational hitting, and putting the ball in play as they left numerous men on base over the course of the series.

The Panthers are an experienced team, with many talented players, and come conference time they will be ready to go. Until then it will be not be an easy stretch for the Panthers who play numerous tough teams, and are still trying to get use to playing with each another again.

Up next, Milwaukee continues its early season road trip as they head to Florida for the Snowbird Classic, taking on Omaha, Ball State, Kansas and St. Bonaventure.

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