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On Tuesday night, the P.K. Yonge Blue Wave defended their win streak against the Palatka Panthers. Their home-field advantage played in the Blue Wave’s favor as they matched every run the Panthers scored.
The win came from a line drive and a lucky missed catch from the defense to walk off with the win in the bottom of the seventh. With this win, the Blue Wave continue their hot streak, winning their last seven games and sitting at a record of 13-4.
Offensive Rhythm
At first, the Panthers commanded respect. They scored two early runs, making some great hits and steals to take an early lead. However, the Blue Wave have proven not to be underestimated this season.
Soon the tides were turned in the second inning. A double from P.K. Yonge’s Luke Sparkman got the Blue Wave their first run and began their offensive push. Then, junior Nick Roach follows with a double of his own. By the end of the second, the game was tied 2-2 and the game slowed down from there.
Close Calls
Throughout the game, hits and stolen bases were plentiful. Many of the Panthers’ hits resulted in pop flies and ground outs at first base. Though, an eventual double and a line drive following it in the top of the fifth inning gets another run for them, taking the lead.
The Blue Wave struggled with a couple of close calls. In the third, they found themselves batting well. After a pair of walks and another pair of stolen bases, a potential run was set up nicely for them- but to no avail. A strikeout ended their run and was followed by a baseless next inning. They attempted to bounce back with an identical play of pairings, but once again saw no runs after a full-count strikeout.
Walk-Off Hits
Clutch plays are in no scarcity to the Blue Wave. Another late-game push adds to their collection of comebacks. In the bottom of the sixth, a pair of errors from the defense awards two free base steals. Soon after, Sparkman steps up to the plate again, gifting another double hit to the team and tying the match. In addition, a great defensive seventh inning shuts out the Panthers, and they continued to apply pressure.
A single base hit from Micah Gratto started the inning off right. After some great eyes from the batters in the past few innings, the Blue Wave were rewarded. A double got Gratto home and closed the game out.
Tuesday night’s win secures the seventh straight win for P.K. Yonge. With only a few games left, they’ll look to prepare for a lengthy postseason run. Their impressive record, 13-4, makes them a big target in Florida’s 3A: MaxPreps ranks them No. 29 in the classification.
