Panthers nip Toppers in baseball duel

DURAND — After a rocky start in Durand last Saturday afternoon that had them trailing by three runs early in the contest, Glenwood City’s baseball team and senior pitcher Jake Kopacz settled in.

The Hilltoppers rallied for five unanswered runs to take a two-run, 5-3 advantage over the host Durand Panthers at Wayne Field April 21 but the Panthers scored three runs late including the game winner in the bottom of the six inning to edge the Hilltoppers 6 to 5 in the non-conference tilt played under sunny skies.

Glenwood City is now 1-1 on the season while Durand improved to 2-0.

Kopacz’ first pitching start of the season got off to a bit of a shaky beginning as he walked five Durand batters in the first frame leading to three Panthers’ runs.

But Kopacz and the Toppers rebounded.

Kopacz and the defense kept Durand scoreless over the next three innings until the Hilltoppers offense was able to plate three scores in the top of the third inning to knot the contest.

“We had a rocky start in the first inning giving up five walks,” stated Glenwood City co-head coach Shane Strong. “Our kids responded well to keep us in the ballgame.”

“Jake pitched very well after the first inning,” added Strong. “He showed resilience settling in and throwing strikes.”

Kopacz, who took the loss, had just two walks in the subsequent four innings and struck out four and allowed just three hits before giving way to Hadin DeSmith in the sixth inning.

The Toppers’ three-run, third inning tied the game as Hadin DeSmith, Tanner Davis and Carson Strong reached base and scored.

Glenwood City added two more scores in the next inning. Marcus Hurtgen and DeSmith plated runs to give the Hilltoppers a 5-3 lead.

It would remain that way until the bottom of the fifth when Durand tied the game with a pair of runs.

The Panthers took the lead with the eventual game-winning run in bottom of the sixth.

The Toppers were unable to score in its final at bat in the top of the seventh as the Panthers hung on for the one-run win.

Glenwood City actually out hit Durand, 7-4, lead by Hadin DeSmith’s 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Kopacz had a single and two RBIs with Hurtgen, Davis and Strong added singles as well.

“We faced their (Durand) three top pitchers and we were able to record seven hits on them,” Strong said. “We missed some big opportunities with runners in scoring position that would have made a difference for us.”

Overall, Strong said that he is pleased with the direction the team is headed, even after just two games.

“Our kids are giving great effort in practice which will lead to improvement,” stated Strong. “We played a solid game defensively despite not practicing outside yet this season.”

Strong also gave a tip of the cap to his co-head coach.

“Jim Celt is a wealth of knowledge and a very positive leader,” said Strong. “I think the kids have really responded to his coaching, which is great for these kids.”

Glenwood City plays in Mondovi Thursday before opening Dunn-St. Croix conference play the following day with a doubleheader in Elk Mound against the defending conference co-champion Mounders.

Glenwood City…..0 0 3 2 0 0 0 – 5
Durand……………3 0 0 0 2 1 X – 6

Glenwood City (5) AB-R-H: Marcus Hurtgen 3-1-1, Hadin DeSmith 4-2-3, Brad Kessler 2-0-0, Tanner Davis 2-1-1, Jake Kopacz, 4-0-1, Carson Strong 3-1-1, Jake Nadeau 4-0-0, Pete Hill 4-0-0, Gavin Janson 2-0-0, Cole Logghe 1-0-0, Dan Loring 1-0-0. Totals 29-5-7.

Pitching – Glenwood City, Jake Kopacz (L) 5 IP, 4 K, 7 BB, 3 H, 6 R (5 earned), Hadin DeSmith 1 IP, 2 BB, 1 H, 0 R.