Panthers sweep SEC opponent

KEOKUK ? The Panthers scored in nearly every frame of a Southeast Conference doubleheader at Keokuk last night, defeating the Chiefs by scores of 14-5 and 11-0.

Mt. Pleasant put at least one run on the board through the first six innings of the opener and scored in four of five frames in the nightcap, including Cameron Engberg?s fourth-inning, two-run home run that put the Panthers up, 9-0.

?They threw some young pitching at us, so we jumped out early in both games,? Mt. Pleasant Coach Brent Broeker said.

During the first game, the Panthers put a run on the board in the first inning, added three in the second, tacked on another in each of the third, fourth, and fifth frames, and came up with a seven-run sixth inning to seal the game.

The Panthers did all the damage with only one extra-base hit: a double from Jacob Miller.

Miller was 3-for-4 in the contest; Ryan Schenk went 3-for-5.

Connor Shull got the win on the mound, aided by relievers Jordan Meyer and Justin Dilks. Shull did 3 1/3 innings of work, giving up five hits and two earned runs while striking out three and walking three.

Each team had five errors in the first contest, but the Panthers played flawless defense in the nightcap on their way to a five-inning shutout.

Meanwhile, Mt. Pleasant stayed hot at the plate.

Engberg was 2-for-2 with a walk, a home run, two runs scored and four RBIs. Tanner Stutzman was 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and two knocked in.

Dustin Amos pitched four scoreless innings in the nightcap, and Dilks came in once more to finish the contest. Amos gave up five hits, walked one and fanned one.

The Panthers are now 11-6 on the season and, with a 5-1 record, lead the conference. None of the other SEC teams are above .500 in conference play.

?As long as we get a split or sweep of Ft. Madison, we?re sitting really good through the first half (of conference competition),? Broeker said.

The Panthers host Ft. Madison on Monday in a doubleheader that starts at 5:30 p.m. First, however, they will play in the Williamsburg Tournament that begins tomorrow at 10 a.m.