Panthers Rally Late to Sweep Northmen

A pitcher can easily lose his rhythm due to a rain delay — Exhibit A was the May 17 contest between the Panthers and the North Smithfield Northmen, where Johnston junior Gian Bianchi served up a strong pitching performance early that was interrupted by rain.

The Panthers gave up a 6-1 lead, but eventually rallied — triggered by a Bianchi hit — to win the game, 8-6.

Johnston's offense jumped on the Northmen's starter, senior Connor Narodowy, in the first inning. Bianchi notched an RBI single and senior Greg Doutre smoked an RBI double to right center.

Captain Nicholas Loffredo opened up the lead with a blast to center field that went over the fence for a two-run homer. The Panthers now led 4-0.

Northmen junior Carlos Guzman had an RBI single in the top of the third, cutting the Panthers lead to 4-1.

Bianchi looked strong on the mound through four innings, as he had only given up one run on three hits, and had 4 strikeouts.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the game was delayed due to inclement weather. There was heavy rain for about five minutes, and while it rained for most of the rest of the game, the teams were able to complete seven innings.

Loffredo picked up two more RBIs on a double shortly after play had resumed, giving the Panthers a 6-1 lead.

The rain seemed to have an affect on Bianchi, as it got him out of his groove. In the top of the fifth, the Northmen took advantage.

North Smithfield senior Shawn Keeley brought his team to within one run, driving in two runs on a double to left. Peter Mancini brought in the final run during the 5-run burst. Mancini hustled down the first base line and notched an infield single, which allowed a run to score.

In the bottom half of the fifth, Bianchi delivered a two-out RBI single up the middle to give the Panthers a 7-6 lead.

They added another run in the bottom of the sixith, and went on to win the game 8-6. 

Senior closer Dylan Pingitore pitched the final two innings for the Panthers, striking out four Northmen, walking two and giving up one hit.

Steve DeMeo, Johnston's coach, reflected on his team re-gaining the lead after coughing it up.

"These guys have been resilient from the get-go," he said.

Jonathan Leddy, Northmen's head boss, said he was pleased with how the team played after the rain delay.

"We played much better during the second half of that game," he said, "They were the better team down the stretch."

Johnston, 14-1 entering the game, matched up against a North Smithfield team fighting to get into the playoffs by trying to improve on a 6-9 record.

With the win, the Panthers nailed down another season sweep, following their on May 16. In their April 20 matchup against North Smithfield, Johnston defeated the Northmen, 4-1.

The Panthers, now one win away from clinching first place in Division II, are next scheduled to play May 19 at Burrillville.

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