Dylan Debilzen started the game with KMS and spent all 115 pitches he was allowed, striking out 7 batters.  Holden Truax was on in relief, needing just 10 pitches and striking out one batter.  The Panthers trailed 3-0 going into the third inning, but their offense came alive as they plated 5 runs in the inning, highlighted by a Zach Mrnak bases loaded double.  Parkers added another run in the fourth and four more in the fifth.  “By then, our pitching and defense took over to seal this one shut,” noted Head Coach Derek Denny. “The defensive play of the game was in the top of the seventh when Shane Hanson absolutely robbed a hit with a full extension dive in left field for the first out of the inning.”

The game with USA proved to be a little tighter down the stretch, but the Panthers had a never die attitude and it paid off.  David Revering had the start on the mound, giving the Panthers six innings and striking out seven after having caught game one.  “Nolan Steidl was on in relief and we were able to keep him right at 30 pitches with the intent to be able to use him Tuesday,” reported Coach Denny.  “Holden Truax also got a little mound time as well, using 18 pitches to also stay under the 30 pitch mark, making him available for Tuesday.”

Revering led the offensive charge as he had a pair of doubles and a pair of singles.  The Panthers once again had to play from behind as they gave up four in the second, only to get five runs in the bottom of the second.  Upsala scratched across one in the sixth and took a 6-5 lead into the bottom of the seventh.  With two outs, Mason Boesl was hit by a pitch and Hanson was at the plate, down to his final strike, when he blasted a shot over the left fielder’s head to the warning track.  Boesl was running with the crack of the bat and scored to tie things up.  USA came right back in the top of the eighth to score two more and take an 8-6 lead.  This time the Panthers wasted no time as Debilzen was able to reach safely to lead things off.  Revering then singled and a failed pick-off attempt allowed both runners to advance.  Steidl then delivered a sharp single to center field, scoring both runners to tie the game, 8-8.  Joe Johnson laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Steidl to second base, and he was able to reach first on the play as well.  Another failed pick-off attempt allowed Steidl to take third.  Chase Thielschafer then entered the game to run for Johnson, promptly stealing second base.  With one out, Mrnak laid down a beautiful bunt to squeeze home Steidl for the game winning run.