by 
Superior Sun
The Superior Panthers and San Carlos Braves combined for 36 runs in a game last Tuesday, in which the Panthers came up short, 19 – 17. It was the second straight game the Panthers have allowed at least 17 runs to their opponent.
Against the Braves, the Panthers pounded out 14 hits, including 4 triples and a double. Freshmen Nicholas Cruz and Austin Navarrette led the offensive attack with 3 hits each. Navarrette also had a team-high 3 RBI in the game. Matthew Zavala and Ceasar Villalobos each had 2 hits against the Braves.
After being shutout 17 – 0 in their last game, it was a positive sign to see the young Panthers bounce back offensively in this game.
Four Panthers’ pitchers struggled equally in allowing the 19 runs. However, Ricky Longoria was able to strike out five Braves’ hitters.
Upcoming schedule: April 2 vs. Hayden (2:00 p.m.) and April 4 at Fort Thomas (4:00 p.m.).
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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