Crestwood, Ill. – July 18, 2020 – For the second consecutive game, the Crestwood Panthers (5-8) were engaged in another high stakes pitcher’s duel, this time featuring the likes of Jacob Young (Fairmont State University / Lisle, Ill.) from Crestwood and Jordan Petty (Trinity Christian University / Dyer, Ind.) of the Joliet Generals (2-9). And once again, similar to Friday’s matchup against the MCL Minutemen, the Panthers pulled off a seamless victory, defeating the Generals 5-2. 

Young’s performance on the mound immediately set the game’s tone, as he allowed no runs in five innings, while scattering six hits and striking out five Joliet batters in the process. Then, in relief, Andrew Farbak (Purdue University-Northwest / New Lenox, Ill.) picked up right where Young left off, pitching four strong innings of one-run baseball. He also recorded five strikeouts and was credited with his first save of the season.  

At the plate, Crestwood continued to show improvement in the timeliness of their hitting. Case in point, Kevin Coe (Eastern Kentucky University / Chicago, Ill.) launched a two-out, two-RBI double in the top of the third, plating Reggie Brock (Chicago State / Chicago, Ill.) and Lawrence Noble (Coppin State University / Chicago, Ill.). The extra-base hit gave the Panthers an early 2-0, and helped Young settle in early. 

Later, in the sixth, Cameron Bufford (Grambling State University / South Holland, Ill.) added an RBI single, and would also go on to steal second and third base, before eventually scoring on a wild pitch. Bufford’s aggressive baserunning ended up giving Crestwood a much-needed insurance run, and continued to cement his reputation as a notorious speedster on the basepaths.  

Saturday’s win marked the Panthers’ second in a row, and also improved their record to 5-8, which ranks as the winningest start to an MCL season in franchise history. Crestwood will look to win game number six on Sunday afternoon as they oppose the Southland Vikings. Coverage begins at 3 p.m. on the Panthers’ Broadcast Network, available via Facebook Live.