Securing a marquee win over a squad receiving votes in the NJCAA baseball polls, the Neosho County Panthers took down the Crowder Roughriders, 8-3, on Tuesday.
Sixteen different players got at-bats for Neosho County as the Panthers tested the limits of its depth at the plate.
“We played a lot of different dudes,” Neosho County head coach Steve Murry said. “16 hitters got into the game. It was pretty scripted and our pitchers gave us a chance to win. It was a great win for us.”
Gilbert Rodriguez accounted for four RBIs on two hits, including a double, for the Panthers.
Barek Terrell earned the victory on the hill, pitching six frames while allowing four hits and striking out a pair.
“It’s 100% a huge win,” Murry said. “They’re always nationally ranked. Our kids played hard and that’s all we could ask for.”
Jayden Duggar ate the loss on the hill for Crowder, coughing up seven runs over 1.1 innings of work.
Neosho County hung five runs on the board in the second frame, setting the stage for the rest of the afternoon.
Tuesday’s win improved Neosho County’s record to 8-3 on the young season.
“We needed the better weather,” Murry said. “I don’t hate our record, but it could be better. We’re learning as we go. Our young hitters are doing fine. I’m not disappointed at all.”
Neosho County’s offense has showcased its firepower early this spring as six everyday players — Maverick Williamson, Lars Koester, Cutter Colvert, Jamon Beck, Rodriguez and Carson Hilton — sport averages above .350.
“We’ve got young guys that are plugged in,” Murry said. “Now it’s going to come down to whether our pitching can withstand the year.”
Up next
Neosho County resumed KJCCC play on Thursday at Cowley for the first two games of a four-game series. Cowley comes to Chanute on Saturday for the final two games.
“They’re a great team,” Murry said. “We’ve got to pitch well and put the ball in play. We’ll see what happens.”
