The Pinnacle Panthers opened their season with a 23‑2 defeat at the hands of the Piute Thunderbirds, a loss that dropped their record to 0‑7 overall and 0‑5 in Region 19 play. The game, played in Price, Utah, unfolded as a rapid offensive display by the Thunderbirds, who scored five runs in the opening frame, added seven in the second and another seven in the third before the Panthers could mount any real resistance.
Thunderbirds' Early Onslaught
Piute’s bats were relentless, plating five runs in the first inning, seven in the second and seven more in the third. The barrage forced the Panthers into a hole they could not climb out of, despite a solitary run in the later stages. Key contributors for the Thunderbirds included Aleihs Hayes and Peyton Howell, each delivering RBI singles that helped fuel the early surge.
The Panthers’ pitching struggled to contain the onslaught. Starter Dekaln Guymon surrendered 11 earned runs in a single inning, while relievers Isaiah Hayes and Angelo Vigil combined for eight and four earned runs respectively over limited work. Landen Vigil managed to score the lone run for Pinnacle, but the damage had already been done.
Looking Ahead to Friday's Matchup
Despite the early setback, the Panthers are scheduled to face Manila on Friday at 2:00 p.m., a game that could provide a much‑needed spark as they look to break their winless streak. Coach Guy Beattie and the rest of the squad hope to tighten up pitching and capitalize on early opportunities to turn the tide.