Senior Joe Piscitelli hits a line drive single during the Panthers 8 to 1 win over Graham.[/caption]Wednesday, March 5 the Orange High School Panther baseball team earned their second win of the season following an 8 to 1 victory over Graham. The win moved the Panthers to 2-0 on the season after defeating Eastern Alamance last week, while knocking Graham to 0-2.
The Varsity Panthers were lead by a strong pitching performance from junior Josh Kiehle. Kiehle tossed four innings, while only ushering four hits and one earned run, and striking out four. Sophomore catcher Brad Debo spoke about Kiehle’s performance, saying, “He[Kiehle] had good command and was hitting his spots and keeping guys off balance.” Orange also received good performances from juniors James Cunningham and Miles Acosta and senior Jonah Neville, who pitched one inning apiece and gave up no runs.
Orange was also strong at the plate, scoring eight runs on ten hits, while having a .357 team batting average and 6 different players drive in a run. Senior second baseman and leadoff hitter Joe Piscitelli went 2 for 2 while scoring 3 runs, and reaching base in all four plate appearances. Senior centerfielder Collin Pope and sophomore Bryse Wilson each had two hits and two RBI’s, while senior Matthew Crabtree, sophomore Cameron Mehl, and Wilson all hit a double.
The Panthers lead the entire game and Graham’s only threat came in the sixth inning. The Red Devils were one swing away from making it a one run game when Cunningham pitched out of a bases-loaded jam with back-to-back strikeouts.
Debo, who went 1 for 4 with an RBI single, says the team can still improve, saying, “We just want to get better everyday and win games.” The Panthers play on Saturday at home against Corinth Holders with the first pitch scheduled for 2 pm.
The Panthers are bringing back a good set of seniors including Jordan Toney and Joe Piscitelli and sophomore phenoms Bryse Wilson and Brad Debo. Coming into his 31st year of coaching, Coach Dease stated the expectations are the same as any other year: “Compete in every game and make the playoffs.” When Toney was asked what the expectations are for the upcoming season, he responded confidently, “With our strong chemistry between each other this year, we think it will really help motivate us to win every game and take us deep into the playoffs... We have three goals: win the conference championship, make it through the state playoffs, and bring home the state championship.”
The Panthers started their season with a scrimmage on Monday, February 24, which started the season off well with a 9-7 victory against Southern Alamance High School.
The Panthers’ actual baseball season started on February 27 against Eastern Alamance. The team was working hard for a 3-1 win against the Eagles. The statistics of the game included senior Jordan Toney going four strong innings, giving up only one run, followed by strong relief with James Cunningham, a junior, and Bryse Wilson, a sophomore, getting the save to finish off the game. Senior Adam Gates, junior Josh Kiehle, and Wilson drove in all three runs.
This was an important win. Getting the first win of the season is always critical for a team's confidence and getting prepared for the next game. The Panthers hope to continue with what they think will be a strong season.