The EP Panthers were given the honor of playing the first game at Sterling’s recently remolded Gartner Park baseball facility including a completely artificial surface (no dirt) and new scoreboard. Unfortunately, the Panthers were unable to spoil the Golden Warriors celebration as they fell 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon.
The Panthers return just two starters from last year’s Regional Championship season.
Sterling starter Garrett Polson was dominating in his season debut giving up no hits and striking out 11 in the four innings he threw. He allowed one base runner and an unearned run.
Despite Polson’s effort the Panthers scratched out a run to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a wild throw to first base allowing Michael Collins to score from second after reaching on a dropped third strike.
The Warriors bounced back in the third inning scoring a pair of runs to go up 2-1 after three innings.
EP threatened in the top of the six but could not score Bryce Jepson after getting him to third base after he reached on an infield hit.
Bryce VanDeWostine started for the Panthers allowing 3 hits, a walk, 1 earned run and struck out 6.
The Warriors added 2 insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth to secure the win.
VanDeWostine took the loss with Nate Packer pitching 2 innings in relief giving up 2 hits, 1 walk, and a strikeout.
Zane Romero had the highlights for EP collecting a ringing double and back-to-back diving catches from his centerfield position in the 6th.
EP will have its home opener on Monday taking on ROWVA at 4:30.
