Slow Start Dooms Panthers Yet Again

After 13 hits, three pitchers, nine runs and eight innings, three pitches were all it took to close-out the Panthers on Monday afternoon.

Sophomore centerfielder and relief pitcher Lou Cappelli took the plate against Sterling High School, with two men on base and two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

With his team trailing by three runs, Cappelli took two quick strikes, then swung on a third pitch, leading to a routine groundball that ended the game 12-9, in favor of Sterling's Silver Knights.

Rains earlier that day transferred the game to Collingswood’s junior varsity field in The Knight Park. And the change caused an evident unfamiliarity for Panthers from the start.

In less than three innings on the mound, starting pitcher Alex Irwin allowed eight runs on 10 hits, including three runs in the first.

“Alex is mostly a reliever, but we had so many games last week that we had to start him,” said head coach Rob Skowronek. “I mean, he’s also got to get some help from some of our outfielders. Some of our guys have to start making some plays."

Panthers climbed back from their early deficit, however, taking a 9-8 lead thanks to a five-run fifth inning—sparked by a two-RBI single from junior shortstop Chris Michael.

But it was a short-lived lead. Third baseman-turned-relief pitcher Taylor Venanzi relinquished the advantage by giving up a run in the top of the sixth inning.

“I don’t know if it’s a moral victory, but we did come back,” said Skowronek. “We definitely have some things to work on, like our base running. We have to work on our game defensively, too.”

After a scoreless seventh for both teams, the game entered extra innings at 9-9.

Venanzi allowed one more run before Cappelli relieved him, surrendering two of his own.

Collingswood’s efforts in the bottom half of the eighth were to no avail. In the end Monday, Panthers saw their 10th loss of the season.

The team takes the field again Thursday, with a visit from the West Deptford High School Eagles. The last time both teams met, Eagles won a close game, by 11-10. West Deptford now sits at 11-10 overall this season.

“West Deptford plays good ball,” said Skowronek. “We might have to play a little bit of small ball. We can’t get off to such a slow start again.”