Scoring four runs in their final at-bat, the Russellville Panthers beat visiting Madisonville-North Hopkins 6-5 in the final regular season game of the year Saturday afternoon.
Barrett Croslin led off with a single and scored on a double by Tyler Hall. Corey Wright moved Hall over with a ground ball. Zach Denney singled in Hall and moved up on Jacob Procter’s double before they both scored on Colby Nichols’ single.
The Panthers had scored their first two runs in the second. Hall, who had walked in the first inning, reached on an infield error. Wright then got his second straight hit. Denney followed with the first of three straight hits. Procter singled in Hall, and Denney scored on a fielder’s choice put into play by Nichols.
Crewsdon Kemp pitched the first five innings and got the win. Croslin relieved and pitched a scoreless sixth inning for the save. Kemp gave up all five runs (four earned on eight hits and two walks while striking out seven Maroons. Croslin gave up a hit and struck out one.
Croslin, Wright, Procter and Nichols each had two hits in support of Denney’s three. Ethan Houchens each walked twice.
It was the third straight win in five days for Coach Greg Shelton’s team), who beat Allen County-Scottsville Tuesday and Hopkinsville Thursday.
The Panthers will take a 17-15 record into the first round of the 13th District Tournament at Greg Shelton Field in Franklin against Logan County (21-10) at 7 p.m. Monday. This will be the third Clash of the Cats of the season. Logan won the first two 12-2 and 3-0.