***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
In a heart-pounding finish, the Annawan/Wethersfield Varsity Titans suffered a tough 4-3 loss to the Putnam County Varsity Panthers on Saturday, as the Panthers walked it off in the bottom of the eighth inning.
With the game deadlocked at three, Drew Carlson delivered in the clutch, ripping a game-winning single to seal the victory for Putnam County.
The Titans struck first in the opening inning when Brody Childs knocked in a run with a single, setting the tone early. The game remained a pitcher’s duel until the fifth, when AJ Furar worked a bases-loaded walk to bring in a run for the Panthers, evening the score at one apiece.
In extra innings, Annawan/Wethersfield reclaimed the lead in the top of the eighth as Cole Goodley delivered a timely RBI single to put the Titans up 3-1. But the Panthers refused to go down quietly. Traxton Mattingly and Carlson came up big, each lacing RBI singles to push Putnam County ahead in dramatic fashion, walking it off with a 4-3 win.
Devon Horrie put up a strong performance on the mound for the Titans, tossing five innings while allowing just one run on six hits, striking out one and walking four. Carlson was lights out in relief for the Panthers, keeping Annawan/Wethersfield’s offense at bay with three and two-thirds scoreless innings, striking out three without issuing a walk.
Horrie led the Titans’ offense with a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate, while Goodley went 1-for-2, driving in two key runs. Nic Thurston also had a solid showing, collecting two hits in three at-bats. Defensively, Annawan/Wethersfield was flawless, with Childs leading the way with nine fielding chances.
Putnam County’s bats were relentless, tallying nine hits. Mattingly sparked the offense, driving in two runs with a 2-for-5 performance, while Carlson was unstoppable, going a perfect 3-for-3.
Miles Main added two hits, and the Panthers showcased patience at the plate, drawing six walks. Speed was also a factor, as Putnam County swiped five bases, with Kade Zimmerlein leading the charge with two steals. The Panthers’ defense held strong, turning a crucial double play to keep momentum on their side.
Despite a hard-fought battle, the Titans fell just short in a thriller that showcased a dramatic ending that won’t soon be forgotten.
