Senior Zach Denney led the way on Senior Night as the Russellville Panthers beat Butler County 5-1 at Kelly Russell Field Thursday, a night in which Greg Shelton’s 900th victory was secured and celebrated.
Denny pitched a complete game 3-hitter. He walked three Bears, which paled in comparison to his 12 strikeouts. Seven of the strikeouts came on called third strikes. Of his 114 pitches, the strike-ball ratio was 81-33.
On offense, Denney went two for three with a home run and a double while scoring two runs and driving in one.
Fellow senior Corey Wright added a hit and made seven putouts on defense. Classmate Barrett Croslin had two assists while the team’s fourth senior, Trey St. Remy, added a putout.
The other two Panther hits were by junior Jacob Procter and freshman Jordan Blick. T.K. Hampton scored two runs and Blick one. Blick and Wesley Stratton worked the only walks Butler County pitcher Eddie Phelps allowed. Logan Hannah and Hampton each stole a base.
The Bears’ hits included an RBI double by Blake Graham and singles by Caleb Hunt and Brandon Jones. Rex Henderson drew two of the walks Denney allowed with the other going to Trevor Parker. Henderson scored the lone run.
In addition to Senior Night, Coach Shelton’s 900th win was celebrated. Watch The LoJo for more information on that observance.