Sports Brief: Panthers Defeat North Smithfield, 8-6

The varsity baseball team secured another season sweep on May 17, this time against North Smithfield. In the team's second home game in two nights, the Panthers outlasted the Northmen, 8-6, in a game that featured a short rain delay.

In their earlier meeting, Johnston won at North Smithfield, 4-1, on April 21. The Panthers also of Ponaganset on May 16.

Similar to the previous contest against the Northmen, junior Gian Bianchi started on the mound for the Panthers on May 17 and established command early, giving up just three hits and tallying 4 strikeouts through four innings before rain paused the action.

Senior captain Greg Doutre hit an RBI single, adding to one by Bianchi, and senior captain Nick Loffredo drilled a 2-run homer to contribute to the early Johnston lead. Prior to the stoppage of play, Johnston had the advantage, 6-1.

Following the 10-minute rain delay, Bianchi allowed five runs in the top of the fifth, and the Northmen drew even, 6-6. Bianchi later broke the tie himself with an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth.

The Panthers' closer, senior Dylan Pingatore, allowed no more North Smithfield scoring in the seventh and eighth innings, preserving the 8-6 victory.

Johnston is now 15-1 on the season with two games to play before the postseason.

Watch for Ben Holloway's complete report tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. on JohnstonPatch.

Information for this article was transmitted in-progress by Ben Holloway.