Energized by spring break, Panthers crush FDR 10-0

By Mike Zummo
Posted 4/10/24

The Wallkill Panthers spent their spring break in Myrtle Beach, preparing for the upcoming baseball season.

So, when they returned home to cold weather and rain, they were getting cooped up …

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Energized by spring break, Panthers crush FDR 10-0

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The Wallkill Panthers spent their spring break in Myrtle Beach, preparing for the upcoming baseball season.

So, when they returned home to cold weather and rain, they were getting cooped up practicing inside, and were eagerly anticipated Saturday’s game.

They responded by defeating the FDR Presidents, 10-0, in six innings at Tony Williams Park in Highland to open the Strike Out Cancer event. It also doubled as a Mid Hudson Athletic League Division I game.

“This was a highly anticipated game,” said Kyle DeGroat, who threw the first 4+ innings for the Panthers. “We had two games last week that got canceled, so the team was excited to play today. We’re glad they got the field ready in time and it was a good day for a good cause.”

Some of the proceeds from the raffles sold at the event went to the treatment and care of teammate C.J. Bobbell, who is suffering from leukemia.

“Every game, we’re playing for him,” DeGroat said. “It wasn’t just today; it was just the beginning for him. We all rock his leukemia ribbon, so every game, even if he’s not here, he’s with us. We’re playing for him every game and I’m glad we were able to have today to represent him.”

DeGroat certainly did his part. With a fastball that touched 92 mph, he allowed one hit, and struck out 11. He faced one batter over the minimum. His only hit was an infield hit. The only hit he gave up was a softly hit ground ball to shortstop.

“I feel like I can pound the zone and I trust the guys behind me,” DeGroat said.

“Shout out to my catcher, Chris (Wager) for the (caught stealing) that was my other putout. I have total confidence in my catcher, my pitch calling and I’m just really excited to get going out here senior year.”

DeGroat walked Brice Rider to start the fifth inning, and he gave way to Ryan Mayer, who threw three shutout innings.

“I thought Ryan Mayer coming in relief did an awesome job,” Wallkill coach T.D. Mills said. “You can see they’re popping it up and getting off balance. That’s what he’s supposed to do.”

The offense, meanwhile, did what it had to, finishing the game in six innings.

DeGroat walked and scored in the first inning, and he doubled home two runs in the third inning.

Mason Franklin doubled and scored on Mike Daley’s groundout. The only inning the Panthers didn’t score was the fourth.

Then they scored three runs each in the fifth and sixth innings.

The game ended when Kody Best blasted a three-run double to center field.

“He needed that as he had a slow start to this game,” DeGroat said. “All the guys have confidence in him and seeing that ball barreled out to right-center, hopefully this builds his confidence going into the next game.”