Too many mistakes cost Panthers; Dallas wins 7-4

Derek Brinton applies the tag against Justin Hofenbredl of Dallas. Hofenbredl was out trying to steal second. Photo by Lance Masterson.

Dallas rallied for a 7-4 win over Central in varsity baseball action from Wednesday.

The Dragons scored five runs over the final two innings. But give the Panthers partial credit for the visitors’ late inning heroics.

“We can’t make five errors and give up six unearned runs and expect to win any game,” said Ben Kramer, Central’s coach. “But give credit to Dallas. They put the ball in play and made routine defensive plays. We didn’t, and that was the difference in the game.”

The mistakes spoiled what was otherwise a pretty good outing for Isaiah Sanchez. The Panthers senior pitcher went six innings, struck out six and allowed one earned run.

Freshman Santi Alarcon pitched the seventh inning and struck out two.

Another freshman, catcher Joe Mendazona doubled, tripled and walked to lead the Panther attack. He also scored two runs.

Sanchez helped his cause at the plate, with two hits, a walk and two runs scored.

Joe Mendazona of Central is safe at third. Mendazona paced the Panthers attack with a double, triple, walk and two runs scored. Photo by Lance Masterson.

Dallas scored three runs in the sixth inning and added two more in the seventh. They have now won seven of their last nine games.

The game’s final out came on an attempted steal with the potential tying run at the plate.

Central is tied for fifth with Dallas, though seeded higher, 12th versus 15th, by the OSAA ranking system. The two teams meet again Friday at Dallas. First pitch is at 4 p.m.

The Panthers (8-7, 14-9 overall) complete the regular season next week with two games against Woodbur.

The Dragons (8-7, 11-12) take on Silverton next week.

Playoff positioning is on the line for both teams over the next three games.

“Every game is a must win for us at this point,” Kramer said. “I’m excited to see how we respond.”