Panthers unbeaten after four games

Josh Resch is safe at home for the Panthers. Central went on to defeat Newberg, 8-0, in the team’s home opener. Photo by Lance Masterson.

The Panthers varsity baseball team is riding a hot streak, winning their first four games to start the season.

The local lads defeated Forest Grove 10-3 on March 13 and then Hillsboro on March 15 for their first two wins of the season.

In the season opener, Central starter Isaiah Sanchez went the first five innings, while Jackson Barba pitched the final two innings.

Senior pitchers Cody Vinson and Derek Brinton led the Panthers against Hillsboro. Vinson started and went 3.2 innings. Brinton pitched the final 3.1 innings.

Brinton also did damage at the plate. After two games, he was hitting 1.000 with a walk and a hit by pitch.

Offensive support also came from Joe Mandazna (.714, 3 RBIs) and Lane Peyton (.500, 2 RBIs).

The Panthers continued their streak with wins against Newberg (8-2) in the March 20th home opener, and against Franklin (10-9) on March 21st.

The Panthers began the week ranked fourth in Class 5A by the OSAA

Central (0-0, 4-0) wraps up its non-league schedule with games against Newberg, Beaverton and a team to be determined at the Nelson Spring Break Tournament in Happy Valley. Games are set for Friday and Saturday.

Mid-Willamette Conference play begins Friday, April 5, with a home game against Lebanon. First pitch is 5 p.m.