Rams edge Panthers in pitcher’s duel

GLENWOOD – Trailing 2-0 in the sixth, the Panthers were able to get a run on the board to make things interesting, but Creston couldn’t close the gap with Glenwood any closer in falling 2-1 Tuesday.

Brayden Fitzgerald got on base with a one out single and was able to advance his way to third on an error that allowed Eli Loudon to reach safely.

Luke Latham was given credit for an RBI after he reached base on an error. Loudon had a chance to score during the Glenwood error, but ended up stuck at third and the inning ended when Latham was caught stealing second.

Overall, Loudon finished the day 2-for-3 and worked his way into his coaches good graces with base hits in the first and fourth innings.

“A couple singles. That was good to see him on base a little bit more tonight,” said Creston head coach Steve Birchard.

Though he didn’t end up with any hits to show for it, Birchard thought Gavin Gillam did a good job of getting the bat on the ball at the plate.

Creston had a number of scoring chances outside of the sixth over the course of the contest.

In the second inning, Evan Bruce reached base with a single and stole second before Brayden Fitzgerald got on with an error.

Cole Strider and Loudon each stepped to the dish with a chance to drive in runs, but a strikeout and a groundout to first ended the threat.

“We left a few guys on base, so getting that key hit at the right time would obviously help out,” said Birchard.

The Panthers also left runners stranded in scoring position in the third and fourth innings.

Keagan Smith received the starting nod for the Panthers and he combined with Gavin Shawler for a three-hit night.

The Panthers surrendered three walks as well, another key emphasis for Birchard at this portion of the season.

“Giving up only three hits and only three walks, our pitching tonight was definitely more effective,” said Birchard. “Our pitching definitely took a step forward.”

Glenwood plated its two runs in the second inning after loading the bases with one out. A Panther error and a sacrifice fly brought the eventual winning runs in to score.

UP NEXT – Creston (1-8, 0-6 in Hawkeye 10 play) will get to play on the big stage at Principal Park in Des Moines against Red Oak.

For live updates of today’s contest follow @TheTylerHetu on Twitter.

Glenwood 2, Creston 1

R  H  E

Cr  000  001 0 —  1  5 3

Gl  020  000 x —  2  3  5

Crest: Keagan Smith 0K 3BB 1HBP, Gavin Shawler (5) 0K 0BB and Gavin Gillam. Glen: Andrew Holiday 6K 3BB, Ethan Fisher (5) 1K 0BB and Cade Van Ness. W — Holiday (3-0). L – Smith (0-4). HR – None. 3B — None. 2B — Crest: Bryce Fitzgerald (2), Loudon (2). RBIs – Crest: Luke Latham. Glen: Ethan Fisher, Colton Schutte.