MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – Expectations are running high in Maxwell after the Panthers opened the season with three straight wins for the first time since 2016.
“We are off to a good start,” said Coach Tyler Wells. “We have a solid core of returners and added a very talented freshman class. This year our lineup one through nine will be competitive and our pitching and defense will be strong points that keep us in every game.”
Thus far the combination has proven successful as Maxwell routed Esparto 25-1 on the road, then downed Hamilton City 5-2 and Chester 19-12.
In Esparto, Noel Velazquez, Alex Krug and Yahir Alcaraz each recorded two hits and drove in three runs, while Brody Jones and Colt Montgomery both doubled and finished with three and two RBI respectively.
Freshman Vincent Orozco made his first appearance on the hill for the Panthers, going three innings, scattering four hits and fanning seven, whereas Levi Velazquez struck out the side in one inning of work.
Last Wednesday in the first game of a doubleheader, Orozco went 3 for 3 to lead Maxwell over Hamilton City.
On the mound Massey Baker went four innings, booking eight Braves’ batters and yielding three hits, while Walter Avery went three innings giving up three hits and striking out five.
In their second game against Chester, the two teams combined for 31 runs, although the Panthers were able to take control of the game when they erupted for 12 runs in the third frame of the five-inning affair.
Alcaraz had a big day at the plate going 4 for 5 with a double and three RBI, as did Jones who was 3 for 3 with three RBI.
For Wells, the wins over Hamilton City and Chester were more significant in that his squad had to overcome a bit of adversity in each, as he explained.
“In those two games we were up early then gave up the lead, but we came back in the next inning to retake it,” Wells said. “These guys have shown glimpses of being fighters, which is different from past teams. We have a long way to go, but there is definitely potential.”
Maxwell (3-0) looked to build upon its momentum in its home tournament, which runs from Mar. 7-9.