Local Sports Journal

The Hesperia Panthers made a valiant comeback in the first game of their doubleheader on Tuesday, but fell one run short.

Hesperia won the second game 17-8.

In the opener, the Panthers trailed 10-4 heading into the top of the seventh inning. A six-run surge tied the game at 10-all, but Lakeview plated one run in the bottom of the seventh for an 11-10 victory.

The big hit in that Panther uprising was a three-run homer over the centerfield fence by Deborah Santiago, who finished with two hits and six RBI. Paige Lavin and Rachel Farber each had a double.

Mera Schmitz pitched seven innings and allowed eight hits and struck out seven for the Panthers.

In the nightcap, Hesperia scored six runs in the fourth inning to take a 10-2 lead. Nine walks contributed to the Panthers’ offense.

Farber and Alexis Castillo each had a double for Hesperia. Farber finished with three RBI and Schmitz had two RBI. Paige Lavin finished with two hits.

“Hesperia took advantage of walks playing some small ball and having some big innings,” Hesperia coach Jim Walker said. “We did a great job of getting the ball in the dirt. We scored every inning but the second. When we play like I know we can, we are going to be tough to beat.”
Hesperia is now 5-3 overall, 4-2 in the conference. Lakeview is 4-8, 3-8.