Gardner-South Wilmington took care of business in their home opener (and then some) on Monday. They were the clear victor by a 17-2 margin over the Earlville Red Raiders. The victory was some much needed relief for the Panthers as it spelled an end to their 11-game losing streak dating back to last season.
Cole Hampson made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. The dominant performance gave him a new career-low in hits. He was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March of 2024.
In other pitching news, Owen Vitko looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Ryan Millette
| 03/17/25 vs Earlville | 2 |
| 04/09/24 vs Momence | 1 |
| 03/25/24 vs Grace Christian Academy | 1 |
| 03/21/24 vs Illinois Lutheran | 1 |
| 03/19/24 @ Illinois Lutheran | 1 |
Back at the plate, Ryan Millette was incredible, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Aiden Mack, who scored three runs while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.
Gardner-South Wilmington always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .688. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Earlville only posted an OBP of .353.
We've got a battle between Panthers coming up. As for Earlville, they will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against Ashton-Franklin Center at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
