Calling Princeton pitcher Danny Cihocki, “Probably one of the best around” was how EP Panther baseball coach Brad Tichler described the Tiger’s pitcher as he no hit the Panthers on Tuesday. Cihocki, a 6’2″, right handed senior, collected 18 strikeouts in route to a 2-0 win on the Panther’s home field.
EP managed just three base runners in the game via a hit batter and two walks. Never the less the Panthers held the Tigers to just 2 runs on the strength of pitcher Bryce Jepson’s outing as he pitched 6 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs, 5 hits, no walks and collected 5 Ks.
Princeton grabbed a first inning lead as Jepson hit the first batter he faced. The runner advanced to third following a wild pitch and a stolen base coming home on a fielder’s choice. That would be the only run by either squad until the 7th inning.
The Panthers threatened in the bottom of the second as Zane Romero advanced to third following a walk, a stolen base, and wild pitch but was left stranded as Michael Collins took a called third strike to end the inning.
The Tigers added their other run in the 7th as a leadoff single followed by a pair of stolen bases and an error by centerfielder Owen Farral brought home a second run.
Tichler said he was pleased with Jepson’s outing. “Bryce did a really good job. That is the best he has thrown at the varsity level”.
The Panthers (0-3) play their third game in as many days as they take on Mercer County in Prophetstown at 4:30 Wednesday.
