Pine Prairie boys get win over Westminster

By: LANCE REED

Sports Editor

The Pine Prairie Panthers found a way to victory in nine innings against the top team in District 6-2A. The Westminster Crusaders came into the game with the best record in the district and left the game tied for first place. The Panthers got a great pitching performance from Bryant Firmin and Brandon Guillory. Guillory ended up getting the victory on the hill. He went five innings, fanning nine batters and allowing no hits.

The Panthers jumped over the Crusaders right away. They picked up three runs in the top of the first inning. Firmin and Zack Blood led off the inning with a pair of singles to left field. Jonathan Fontenot followed with a single of his own and the bases were loaded. A sacrifice fly to center field from Robert Vidrine allowed Firmin to score. A single to center field scored Blood, making it 2-0. Caleb West was hit by a pitch, pushing another run across the plate.

Westminster responded with three runs in the bottom of the third inning. They took advantage of two errors, and hit a triple and a double. The tied ball game would remain for the next six innings. The Panthers missed a chance to end the game in the top of the sixth frame. They loaded the bases with two outs, but could not push a run across the plate. The Crusaders never threatened to score again in the game.

The contest went into the ninth inning. With one out, Zack Blood drew a leadoff walk. One out later, the Panthers were the beneficiaries of three consecutive walks and that gave them a 4-3 lead. The Crusaders went down in order.

The Panthers have a lot to be proud of. The win puts them in a good position to possibly win the district. Firmin finished the day with a 2-5 performance at the plate and Kaleb Johnson was 2-4.