The Norfolk Panthers will head out to challenge the Millard South Patriots at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
On Monday, Norfolk was able to grind out a solid victory over Wayne, taking the game 11-6. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Panthers.
Ethan Synovec
| 04/03/25 vs Lincoln Southwest | 5 |
| 04/10/25 vs Grand Island | 3 |
| 03/20/25 vs Columbus | 2 |
| 04/22/25 @ Lincoln Northeast | 1 |
| 03/27/25 @ Lincoln North Star | 1 |
Ethan Synovec was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Norfolk is 3-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 3-11 otherwise. Synovec was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ayden Papstein, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted since April 5th. Another player making a difference was Jordan Schnoor, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base.
Norfolk always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .594. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Millard South faced Papillion-LaVista South in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Monday. The Patriots blew past the Titans 16-5. Considering the Patriots have won 11 matches by more than nine runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Noah Haakinson tossed a big game, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Braden Swaney was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Brady Perich, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, two RBI, and one double.
Norfolk's record now sits at 6-12. As for Millard South, their record is now 18-7.
Norfolk might still be hurting after the 11-3 loss they got from Millard South when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
