For the second straight game, O'Connor will face off against Holmes. The Panthers will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Huskies at 4:45 p.m.
O'Connor will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Saturday, then bounced right back against Holmes on Tuesday. The Panthers put the hurt on the Huskies with a sharp 12-1 win. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matches by six runs or more this season.
Dalton Blake made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over five innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because O'Connor is undefeated when he allows at most one earned run, but 7-8 otherwise. Blake was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. That triple was his first of the season.
In other pitching news, Ryan Zaiontz looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March.
Jayden Contreras
| 04/08/25 @ Holmes | 3 |
| 04/04/25 @ Marshall | 2 |
| 02/25/25 @ Warren | 2 |
| 03/22/25 vs Brennan | 1 |
| 03/10/25 vs Harlan | 1 |
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Jayden Contreras, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, three doubles, and three RBI. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. James O'Connor was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-4.
O'Connor hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in three consecutive contests.
O'Connor has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-8 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.2 runs on average over those games. As for Holmes, their defeat was their eighth straight at home dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 3-17.
Holmes' pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: O'Connor hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .320. It's a different story for Holmes, though, as they've only averaged .240. Will they be able to contain O'Connor's hitters? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
