BASEBALL: Disastrous seventh costs Jr. Panthers

The Junior Panthers' three-game winning streak to start the 2015 junior high baseball season was snapped on Monday as Nashville rallied for a seven-run seventh inning to steal a victory at Pinckneyville, 8-5.

The disappointing finish to the game spoiled a strong outing on the mound by Pinckneyville Junior High School starter Hunter Riggins, who went the first six frames and didn't allow an earned run. He gave up six hits and two walks with eight strikeouts and hit one batter, but took a no decision.

Devin Kitchen gave PJHS a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning with an RBI triple to bring in Riggins (single). Nashville knotted the game at a run apiece in the top of the third after two singles and an error.

Pinckneyville put together an impressive two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth to grab the lead again. Wyatt Gale started it all with a walk in front of a single by Riggins and a walk to Noah Carter that loaded the bases. Dalton Kitchen cleared the sacks with a three-run double, then scored moments later on De. Kitchen's RBI single, and the Junior Panthers were up 5-1.

It was still 5-1 in the top of the seventh when a disastrous inning allowed Nashville back into the game. The PJHS defense didn't do pitchers Dawson Yates and De. Kitchen any favors, as catchable balls fell in for bloop hits to close the gap before three bases-loaded walks put the Hornets on top.

Pinckneyville had six hits, all from the top four spots in the lineup - Riggins (2-4, 2 R), Carter (1-3, R, BB), Da. Kitchen (1-4, R, 3 RBI, 2B) and De. Kitchen (2-3, 2 RBI, 3B).

The Junior Panthers (3-1) will try to put the loss behind them on Tuesday when they host Chester at Rigdon Field.