It was almost destiny for the ADM Tigers as they were searching for just their second win in the last 5 contests against the Creston Panthers last night.

After a very solid performance against conference opponent Carlisle on Friday, the Tigers were in high spirits looking to follow up last Friday’s great performance with another for a win against the Panthers.

ADM appeared well on their way to doing so after a quick 1-2-3 first inning by Tiger pitcher Chase Ritchie  was followed up by a two run bottom of the first inning. Last night marked the second consecutive game with a home run for the Tigers as Kade Overton earned the teams second long ball of the season just one pitch into his at bat with one runner on to make it a 2-0 lead.

The Tigers nursed a 2-0 lead through 4 innings until they earned a run off of a sacrifice ground out by Jack O’Brien in the bottom of the fifth to cushion the ADM lead now 3-0. Chase Ritchie was dealing on the mound allowing Creston just two hits through five innings, walking none, and striking out 5 panther batters.

The momentum seemed to be fully in favor of the hometown Tigers until an inauspicious start to the 6th inning had ADM back on their heels. A lead off home run by Creston  would be followed up three hits and an ADM error and the Tigers would quickly see their 3 run lead turn into a 3-3 tie. The Tigers would head to the bull pen in attempt to stop the late game surge by the Panthers but it would be Chase Shiltz who would completely turn the tides with his RBI single in the top of the 7th to put Creston up on top 4-3.

ADM would not go down easily as the Tigers forced two walks and earned a base hit to load the bases  with two down in the do or die bottom of the seventh. Unfortunately for the Tigers their comeback attempt would strike midnight as a two hopper back to the pitcher would seal the deal for the Tigers and a win for the Panthers.

Chase Ritchie did go 5 plus innings of strong work allowing just two hits and 5 strikeouts but would be credited with the loss as the Tigers now fall to 3-27 on the year while Creston improves to over .500 at 15-14. The Tigers will see one more regular season game action tonight as they head to Pella to end the regular season. After that the Tigers will square off in a rematch against the Wildcats for their first round postseason action on Friday where they’ll look to play spoiler and take game three from Carlisle.