Charles City makes valiant comeback attempt before falling 10-6 to Mathews

Charles City’s Sherod Barnes (1) avoids a tag attempt by Mathews Timmy Dehoux to touch home plate, adding a run to the Panthers total.

Robb Johnson photo

Charles City’s Head Baseball Coach Michael Logan has been looking for a competitive effort from his team most of the season. And after his team fought back against the visiting Mathews Blue Devils in the May 2 contest, the momentum favored the Panthers.

But late scores by the visitors proved to provide enough of a gap as the Blue Devils escaped with a 10-6 victory on Senior Day for the Panthers.

Mathews started quickly, orchestrating five runs in the top of the first inning. Charles City was able to curve any additional damage and begin to inflict some of their own in the bottom of the third.

After James Harris IV and Sherod Barnes reached base for the Panthers, Gavin Stewart blasted a shot into the outfield gap for a double, driving home Harris and Barnes and cutting Mathews lead down to three (5-2). Mathews was able to add two runs in the top of the fourth, but Charles City began executing small ball in the bottom half of the frame.

Harris executed a bunt, driving home the first run of the inning. Shane Jones’ double drove home another pair of runs as Charles City trailed 7-5.

Mathews increased their lead back to five (10-5) by the top of the seventh inning. The Panthers’ fight remained, as Stewart’s sacrifice base hit brought home run number six for the hosts. However, the Panthers couldn’t muster up any more runs as the Blue Devils retired the remaining batters of the inning.

After the contest, Logan hopes the experience of the contest will lead to the Panthers closing out their remaining games with wins.

“We can build on this,” he said. “We are a young team and can continue to grow with our confidence. We are believing in ourselves more.”

Charles City remains winless with a record of 0-13 on the season.