Preview: North Panola Cougars vs. Independence Wildcats
North Panola has enjoyed a five-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will take on the Independence Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. North Panola will be hoping to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each game than the last.
Even though Palmer scored an imposing 19 runs on Monday, North Panola still came out on top. North Panola came out on top in a nail-biter against Palmer and snuck past 20-19.
Zykedreaus Lamar was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Lamar was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
In other batting news, Da'Vontaye Johnson was a standout: he scored three runs while going 4-for-4. Devon Sims was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Independence had just enough and edged White Station out 10-9 on Monday. The win was just what Independence needed coming off of a 10-3 defeat in their prior matchup.
Like North Panola, Independence also got a great game from a two-way player: Eli Stepp. He pitched 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (he also only allowed one walk). Stepp has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive pitching appearances. Stepp was also big at the plate, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
In other batting news, Independence let DJ Mitchell and Miller Owens loose on the outfield. Mitchell went 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI, and a run, while Owens scored two runs while going 3-for-4. The team also got some help courtesy of Jeremy Ray, who scored a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
North Panola's record now sits at 5-6. As for Independence, they now have a winning record of 9-8.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. North Panola has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .518. However, it's not like Independence struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
North Panola might still be hurting after the 19-4 loss they got from Independence in their previous matchup back in March of 2023. Can North Panola avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
