Division II Finals: Game 1 Goes to Panthers

senior captain Gian Bianchi held The Prout School to one hit over six innings, and the Panther offense charged to an early 5-0 lead on the way to an 11-1 win in Game 1 of the Division II state championship at McCoy Stadium.

Fellow senior captain Chris Pistacchio led off the game with a single, then stole second and moved to third on a Bianchi bunt. Sophomore Joe Bongiovanni took a walk, and two wild pitches allowed the Panthers to post two runs on the board early, Coach Steve DeMeo wrote in an email message after the game.

Bongiovanni, junior Michael Pennacchia, and sophomore Alex Tenerella crossed the plate before the end of the first inning to stretch the Johnston lead to 5-0.

"Gian did the rest," DeMeo wrote, allowing just one unearned run and a walk while notching seven strikeouts.

Pistacchio went 2-for-3 from the plate with 3 RBIs and two stolen bases for the Panthers. Pennacchia posted 3 RBIs on th strength of his 3-for-3 performance on offense.

In their last three playoff games, the Panthers have outscored their opponents 31-6.

The second game of the series is scheduled for 3:30 pm this afternoon at McCoy. A win would give the Panthers their second straight title, and back-to-back championships over the Crusaders.