March 28, 2024

Panthers piece together 2-1 win over Winterset

WINTERSET — After suffering a defensive lapse its last time out, the Creston baseball team played strong defense and got a solid pitching performance from sophomore Cody Crawford in a 2-1 win over Winterset here Tuesday.

The Panthers scratched together a pair of runs, one in the first inning and one in the third inning, while holding Winterset to just a single run in the first inning.

Crawford scattered five hits through seven innings and walked two. Crawford didn’t strike out any batters, instead pitching to contact and letting his defense behind him do the work.

The Panthers committed five errors in a loss at Treynor on Friday, but committed just one Tuesday night.

“We had just one error and that occurred in the sixth inning,” Creston head coach Steve Birchard said. “Cody got out of that. Cody did a really nice job. After defensively stuttering on Friday, it was nice coming back today and playing a nice defensive game. Brenden McDowell made a nice defensive play. Brody (Frain) made a sort of sliding catch on a blooper.

“They hit the ball hard. Cody was not afraid to throw strikes, two walks on the night, and let his defense work. That’s sort of fun when that happens.”

Creston took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Conner Pals led off with a single, stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. He then scored on a Chase Shiltz RBI groundout.

Winterset tied the game 1-1 in the first inning on a Austin Sellers RBI single.

Pals once again ignited a Creston scoring chance in the third inning by leading off with a single. After moving to second base on a passed ball, McDowell singled, giving the Panthers a first and third situation.

McDowell attempted to steal second, but was thrown out in the process. The throw to second base allowed Pals to scamper home for a run, though, putting Creston up 2-1.

The Panthers strung together four straight hits in the inning, but couldn’t produce more than the one run.

Shiltz doubled, but ran through a stop sign at second base and was thrown out at third.

Crawford was able to work through a jam in the seventh inning, when Jacob Larsen led off with a single and moved to second base on a sacrifice before ending up at third base on a groundout. A walk put runners on the corners with two outs, but Crawford induced a groundout to first baseman Kadon Hulett to end the game.

“Very good game,” Birchard said. “Two pretty good teams. They’re a nice team. Good to get a game against Winterset. We’ve once again proven we can play with anybody.”

Winterset dropped to 14-9 with the loss, while Creston improved to 12-11. The Panthers return to action tonight at Red Oak in a game that has been postponed twice.

Thursday’s varsity doubleheader at Lewis Central has been moved up to a noon start time because of the threat of rain.

Junior varsity

The Creston JV team fell to Winterset on Tuesday, 9-1 in six innings.

Deaven Reese recorded a pair of hits, including a double. Garrett Dahl, Cory Marquardt and Tucker Flynn each recorded a single. Flynn drove in Creston’s lone run.

Bryce Fitzgerald started and pitched four innings, issuing 10 walks with one strikeout and five earned runs. Joe Eblen pitched one inning of relief, walking five and striking out two, while giving up two earned runs.

Creston 2, Winterset 1

R H E

Creston 101 000 0 — 2 8 1

Winterset 100 000 0 — 1 5 0

Cr: Cody Crawford 0K 2BB and Jaden Driskell. W: Cullen Donahoe and Colby Van Pelt. W — Crawford. L— Donahoe. HR — none. 3B — none. 2B — Cr: Chase Shiltz 1, Driskell 1. RBI — Cr: Shiltz 2. W: Austin Sellers 1. Multiple hitters — Cr: Conner Pals 2, Driskell 2. W: Donahoe 2, Jacob Larson 2.