Springfield extended their losing streak to six on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 6-18 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 6-5 heartbreaker at the hands of the Portland Panthers. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Yellow Jackets of the 13-9 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in April of 2024.
Riley Schild was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, he tossed five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off one hit. That's the fewest earned runs he has allowed since back in March. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Kason Woodson was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in three of his six plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
As for Portland, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-19 record this season. The game was the first time they have beaten Springfield on their field since April 15, 2022.
On Portland's side, Kevin Cook tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run while striking out six over five innings pitched. Cook also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because the Panthers are 4-2 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 8-17 otherwise.
At the plate, Portland let Jesiah Scharklet and Jay Guthrie run wild. Scharklet went 1-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base, while Guthrie went 2-for-5 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. Guthrie is becoming a predictor of Portland's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 9-19 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Cayden Lane, who got on base in four of his six plate appearances with three stolen bases and two runs.
While Springfield had to take the loss, they won't have to wait long to give it another shot: the pair's next game is a rematch scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
