Hillcrest extended their losing streak to three on Thursday, dropping them down to 4-9. They came up short against the Excel Panthers, falling 22-0. The Jaguars were not able to make up for their defeat to the Panthers from their previous meeting back in March of 2025.
As for Excel, their win was their seventh straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 13-2. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games.
For Excel's part, Trent Williams made a splash no matter where he played. He kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits over four innings pitched. Williams has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and five RBI. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other pitching news, Mason McKinley looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single walk in three consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Excel got a massive performance out of Greyson Nettles, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and two RBI. Those three runs gave Nettles a new career-high. Cayden Chandler also deserves some recognition as he hit his first doubles of the season.
While Hillcrest had to take the loss, they won't have to wait long to give it another shot: the pair will be back at it again later today.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
