Wayne extended their losing streak to eight on Wednesday, dropping them down to 3-11. They fell 6-3 to the Pinnacle Panthers. The Badgers were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Panthers earlier this season, when they won 14-9.
Blake Peterson was huge no matter where he played even without the win. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up three earned runs off three hits. What's more, he gave up only four walks, the fewest he's had since back in August. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, EJ Pauu made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with one home run.
As for Pinnacle, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 6-5. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.7 runs on average over those games.
Like Wayne, Pinnacle also got a great game from a two-way player: Brody Howell. He struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Howell also tossed a walk, which is notable because Pinnacle is 3-1 when he allows at most two walks, but 3-4 otherwise. Howell was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most hits he has posted since back in August of 2024.
In other batting news, Joey Howell was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run and three runs. Pinnacle is 5-1 when Howell posts two or more runs, but 1-4 otherwise.
We've got plenty of inter-region action coming up soon. Wayne is set to face off against their familiar foe Panguitch at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Pinnacle will square off against rival Bryce Valley at 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
