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KENTWOOD, Mich. – On a day set to honor “Caps for Clayton” and help Strike Out Cancer the Panther baseball team also battled, coming from behind in both games versus WHAC leading Madonna today for two wins.  The Panthers won game one 8-4 and took game two 4-2.

Game One

Jordan Anderson was once again a story for the Panthers pitching his way to his sixth victory on the season.  The junior pitcher from Grand Haven went seven innings giving up three runs on four hits; two walks and would strike out seven Crusaders hitters.  Anderson battled through an outing in which his breaking pitches were not at their best.  Anderson ended one Crusader rally starting a double play after snagging a bullet of a line drive back his way and doubling up the Madonna runner who had been on third base.  Ryan Butzer continued to show his potential as he earned the save going two innings giving up no hits, one run, walking two and striking out two.

The Panther bats came alive in the fifth inning, plating five runs to take a 6-3 lead and ultimately the game.  Davenport was led offensively in game one by Eric Cummings, Brandon Bongard and Austin Licon.  Cummings went 3 for 4 at the plate, scored a run, and drove in a RBI.  Bongard continued his solid season for DU by going 2 for 4 on the day with two runs scored and a RBI.  The big shot however came off the bat of Licon who would hit a three run homerun in the fifth and finish the day 1 for 2 with a run scored, two bases on balls, and three RBI. 

Game Two

Davenport would fall behind early in game two just as they had in game one, as Madonna got out to a 2-0 lead.  Madonna would earn two runs on three hits in the first inning against Panther starter Drew Sain.  However, Sain would shut down the Crusader line up allowing no hits and two base runners over his next five and a third innings.  Sain would finish with a final line of six and a third innings pitched giving up three hits, two runs, two walks while striking out four Madonna hitters.  Sain was absolutely dominate on his way to win number five of the season.  Ryan Butzer again came in to close out the game and earn his second save of the afternoon.  Butzer would pitch the final two thirds by forcing the Crusaders to hit into a game ending double play.

The Panther bats were not as active in game two this afternoon, however they were timely, especially in the Panther fourth inning that produced four runs.  Cam Cooper went 2 for 2 and scored one of the Panther runs while Eric Cummings went 1 for 3 and scored a run.  Derrick Gentile produced in a timely manner in the game as his lone hit in game two drove in a run.  Brandon Bongard continued to be an offensive leader for the Panthers as he would go 2 for 3 at the plate, scored a run, and had an RBI. 

Before the game, DU was able to honor a recent cancer survivor - "Caps for Clayton"

"Clayton is five years old and a two time cancer survivor.  He has had 12 rounds of chemo therapy, an 11 1/2 hour surgery to remove a tumor that resulted in him not being able to walk for almost three months. The first type of cancer was Neuroblastoma and the doctors believe the treatment for this cancer cause the development of his second cancer AML Leukemia. The major part of his treatment for leukemia was a bone marrow transplant that he had just over a year ago, today he is still recovering from that transplant. We are happy to report he is cancer free and in remission."

Post-Game Quotes – Kevin Tidey

Thoughts on Jordan Anderson – I liked the way Jordan battled today even though his breaking and off speed pitches were not at their best.  He continued to throw strikes and get batters out long enough to allow our guys to start hitting the ball.

Thoughts on Drew Sain – I thought Drew was pretty darn good today.  He didn't come out of the gate strong, but he settled in and just attacked the strike zone with some of his best stuff.  His solid performance again allowed for success, as our bats were timely again in game two.


Post-Game Notes – The two wins today pushes the Panthers to 26-13; 12-6 WHAC… Jordan Anderson improved to 6-1 and Drew Sain improved to 5-1... The Panthers are now 3-10 all-time versus Madonna with the win in game one breaking a ten game losing streak to the Crusaders… The Panther win in game also broke Madonna's 12 game winning streak and moves DU within one game of a three way tie atop the WHAC… DU faces Madonna again tomorrow in another double-header; Game One has first pitch time of 12:05… Check out www.dupanthers.com to follow the Panthers all season long via LiveStats... Both games live via the DAN tomorrow as well.


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