Baseball Recap: Leland Mattern Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Commerce

Panthers

Margin (Wins)

03/14/25 @ Gainesville	22
03/29/25 vs Commerce	12
03/21/25 vs Ponder	10
03/18/25 @ Ponder	10

Paradise's game on Friday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Saturday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Commerce Tigers a 12-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won four games by ten runs or more so far this season.

Cash Watson made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3. He has become a key player for Paradise: the team is 4-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 0-6-2 otherwise.

In other batting news, Leland Mattern was a standout: he scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. That's the most hits he has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Cooper Woodard, who scored two runs while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.

Paradise always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .531. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Commerce only posted an OBP of .300.

Paradise's victory bumped their record up to 4-7-2. As for Commerce, they are on a 16-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-19.

Looking ahead, Paradise will venture away from home to face off against Valley View at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Commerce, they will square off against Winnsboro at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.