Panthers
| 03/31/25 @ Lincolnwood | 11 |
| 03/29/25 @ Newton | 0 |
| 03/28/25 vs Sullivan | 8 |
| 03/27/25 vs Ramsey | 25 |
| 03/26/25 @ Pawnee | 5 |
| + 2 more games |
The Pana Panthers will head out on the road to square off against the Auburn Trojans at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Pana is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
Pana will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Saturday, then bounced right back against Lincolnwood on Monday. Pana blew past Lincolnwood 11-2.
Joey Laker spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on seven hits. That's the fewest earned runs she has allowed since back in April of 2024.
At the plate, Shelby Ashcraft was incredible, firing off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while going 3-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Bella Bennett, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Auburn entered their tilt with Hillsboro on Monday with four consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with five. They walked away with a 4-0 victory over the Hiltoppers. The Trojans' pitching crew has been rock solid lately; the team hasn't given up a run in their last three matchups.
Meena Taylor was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 12 over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Addison Jones, who scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Giada Sinclair also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Auburn's win was their eighth straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 6-1. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.5 runs over those games. As for Pana, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 4-3 record this season.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pana has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Auburn struggles in that department as they've averaged .469. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pana couldn't quite finish off Auburn in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 and fell 5-3. Can Pana avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
