The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped their first two games of an 11 game trip through Florida Saturday morning to Gannon University in Auburndale, Florida.
In the first game the Panthers fell 5-4 despite a complete game effort from senior Tony Hoolehan. He gave up 5 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8.
The Panthers had 10 hits but stranded 7 runners, including 3 with 1 out in the 7th inning as the final two Panthers struck out to end the game.
Sophomore Colin Willis (SB) led the way with 4 hits and an RBI while senior Alex Smith added 2 hits (2B) and an RBI. Sophomore Kevin Gates and junior Rich Myers contributed the other 2 RBI's for the Panthers while senior Nate Hall (HBP) added a triple.
PNC scored 2 in the 2nd and 2 in the 7th while Gannon scored 3 in the 3rd and 1 each in the 4th and 5th.
In the second game the Panthers were outhit 16-5 as senior Shane Prance gave up 5 runs on 12 hits and 4 walks while picking up 4 punch-outs. Freshman John Cristo gave up 3 more runs in .1 innings on 3 hits and 2 hit batters before junior Mike Bradley threw 2 scoreless innings. Bradley gave up 1 hit and added 2 strikeouts. The final score was 8-3.
Willis reached 4 times again on 2 walks, a HBP and a hit and added 2 runs. Junior Ched Gaskin had 2 hits, a walk and 2 RBI's while sophomore Kevin Gates added the other RBI. Senior Jeff Strbjak contributed a double in the losing effort.
The Panthers (4-2) play again tomorrow in a split doubleheader as they take on Sienna Heights and Walsh College at Webber International University in Babson Park, FL. Game times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.
