The Geneva Panthers outlasted the Newark Reds, 8-5, in an offensive affair on Thursday night at Colburn Park.
– Radio Replay: Paul Russo and Kyle Evans had the call on FL1 Radio
Preston Berrios made the start for Newark and surrendered seven runs (four earned) on 10 hits over 5.1 innings while walking two and striking out six. Jacob Rodriguez allowed an unearned run in relief.
Michael Richardson got the ball for Geneva but didn’t make it out of the second inning and gave up two runs (one earned). Travis Arno followed Richardson in relief and picked up the win. He allowed three runs on five hits over 5.2 innings while walking five and striking out eight.
Geneva jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. Richardson and Lucas Springer drove in runs with back-to-back RBI singles and Arno brought home a run with a groundout. However, Newark responded in the bottom half of the frame with a pair of runs. Rodriguez and Maxwell Youngman hammered back-to-back RBI singles.
The Panthers scored two in the second to regain their three-run lead. Gavin Brignall smoked an RBI double and Andrew Avedisian scored on a dropped third strike to make it 5-2.
In the third, the Reds made it a one-run game once again. Ethan Coleman delivered a run-scoring groundout and Christian Baker lined an RBI single.
Newark tied the game at five in the fourth on Youngman’s sacrifice fly.
Troy Snook put Geneva back on top in the fifth with a two-out RBI single and that proved to be the difference in the game.
The Panthers added a run in the sixth and seventh on wild pitches to cap off the scoring and secure the victory.
Newark and Geneva will turn their attention to sectionals, which is set to begin on Monday. Section V brackets will be announced over the next day or so.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].