Panthers lose series vs. Linden-Kildare

• Senior Franky Valdez (44) awaits the pitch in the batter's box during earlier home action. Valdez was one of two senior Panthers that played their final high school baseball game in the Panthers' 7-4 loss in Game 3 of their Bi-District playoff series against Linden- Kildare. Photo by DJ Spencer

NH falls with Game Three loss

PARIS — The North Hopkins Panthers had their season come to a bitter end this weekend after losing their Bi-District series against the Linden-Kildare Tigers. Despite winning the second game to force a third game, the Panthers fell short in the final game, losing the series.

In the second game of the series, held Friday at Chisum High School, the Panthers won 12-5. After initially falling behind, the Panthers offense began clicking on all cylinders, leading to a win and evening the series at 1-1.

As a team, the Panthers batted 12 for 29 (.414) from the plate. Junior Reyes led the way, going a perfect 4/4. Isai Franco recorded three hits, while Griffen Arms, Adin Godbolt, AJ Horton, Kameron Jenkins, and Hudson McFarlin added one hit each.

Franco, Jenkins, Mc-Farlin, and Reyes all shared the title of leading scorer with two runs each. Arms, Godbolt, Horton, and Franky Valdez all added one run each.

Jenkins earned the win on the mound. In five innings, he recorded eight strikeouts, allowing just six walks, five earned runs, and four hits. Franco pitched the final two innings in relief, helping close out the game.

In the third and decisive final game of the series, the Panthers suffered a heartbreaking 7-4 loss. Despite initially leading early on, the Tigers gained the upper hand, winning the game and the series.

As a team, the Panthers batted 6 for 26 (.231) from the plate. Jenkins led with two hits, while Arms, Franco, McFarlin, and Valdez tallied one hit each.

Franco, Kasen Gammill, Jenkins, and McFarlin all scored one run each.

McFarlin suffered the loss on the mound. In 4 2/3 innings, he surrendered seven hits, seven runs (three earned), and three walks, tallying five strikeouts. Franco pitched the final 1 1/3 innings in relief, recording one strikeout while allowing one hit and one walk.

With these results, the Panthers’ season has come to an end. They end the season with an overall record of 16-7, finishing as Bi-District finalists.

Game Three would go down as the last high school baseball game for two senior Panthers: Horton and Valdez.

The Panthers will look to improve offseason and make a deeper playoff run next year.