2023 Baseball
Panthers Drop NCS Quarterfinal Matchup to Cardinal Newman
May 20, 2023—On a warm Saturday afternoon in Santa Rosa, a city where they won their North Coast Section First Round matchup against the Montgomery High Vikings on Wednesday afternoon, the Varsity Baseball team looked for a sweep of Santa Rosa when they went up against the Cardinal Newman Cardinals, a team with 19 seniors that was 24-1 on the season, ranked #1 in all of NCS, and even ranked #6 in all of California. However, this did not intimidate the Panthers one bit as both teams would go into the 5th inning tied 0-0.
However, the Panthers made some uncharacteristic miscues on defense that allowed the Cardinals to score three runs in the 5th inning, two of them being unearned, giving them all they would need to secure the 3-0 win. Even though the Panthers were eliminated from the NCS playoffs, there were a lot of positive things to come from the game. Senior right-hander, Nico Laub-Sabater, started the game for the Panthers and would take a no-hitter into the 5th inning while striking out 5 Cardinal batters and giving up 1 earned run. Senior right-hander, Quinn Connell, would eventually relieve Laub-Sabater and keep the Cardinals at bay, giving his team a chance to engineer a late comeback. However, it would be too little, too late as the Panthers could not muster any offense. Overall, however, the Panthers showed that regardless of how strong an opponent like Cardinal Newman may be, this team and this program can go toe-to-toe with anyone in NCS, Northern California, and even the entire state.
The Panthers will now head into the offseason but are very eager for the 2024 season as they will look to fulfill expectations in hopes to bring home an NCS Division 3 title. Congratulations on a great season Panthers!
Panthers Win Opening Round of NCS Over Montgomery, 6-1
May 17, 2023—On a warm yet windy day at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, California, the Varsity Baseball team made the hour-long drive north from Berkeley to take on the Vikings in the First Round of the North Coast Section D3 Playoffs, ultimately beating the Vikings by the score of 6-1.
The Panthers had a hot start to the game as they would score 6 runs in the first two innings to really set the tone for the game. Contributing to the Panthers offense for the day were Senior center fielder, Caven Croom, who went 2 for 4 for the game with two single, two runs scored, and an RBI; Senior catcher, Max Barnett-Abrams, had a successful day at the plate as well going 2 for 3 with two singles and an RBI of his own; Junior left fielder and Junior first baseman, Marley Filson and Mateo Morales, would combine to go 2 for at the plate with two RBIs.
Defensively, the Panthers got all they could out of Senior right-hander, Eli Fogelman, and did he ever deliver. Fogelman would throw his first career complete game, striking out 5 and surrendering only one unearned run.
The Panthers will now look to continue their push for an NCS title as they will return to Santa Rosa this Saturday, May 20th, to take on the #1 seed of the tournament, the Cardinal Newman Cardinals, in the Quarterfinal Round. First pitch is set for 1:00pm.
Panthers Go Down to Bruins in TCAL Semis
May 9, 2023—On a sunny afternoon at Brady Park on the campus of Saint Mary’s College High School, the Varsity Baseball team went down to the St. Patrick-St. Vincent Bruins in the Tri-County Athletic League Semifinal Round by the score of 3-1. After the Panthers got on the board first with a 1-0 lead thanks to Senior shortstop, Derrick Bedford Jr., who hit a ground rule double before being driven home by Junior outfielder, Marley Filson, on a single to right field in the bottom of the first inning.
However, the Bruins would respond in the bottom of the 3rd inning due to miscues from the Panthers defense that allowed the Bruins to score three runs in the inning. The Panthers looked for an answer to overcome the 3-1 deficit, but it was too little, too late as the Panthers would lose in the TCAL Semifinal Round.
The Panthers will turn their attention now to the North Coast Section Playoffs, looking to get the bats going and cut down on the defensive miscues. The team will find out their fate on Sunday, May 14th, when North Coast Section releases the playoff bracket.
Panthers Drop Senior Day to Pinole Valley
April 26, 2023—On a warm afternoon at Brady Park, the Panthers celebrated Senior Day as they hosted the Pinole Valley Spartans in a matchup that proved to be a very tight battle. Senior right-hander, Eli Fogelman, pitched a strong game, allowing no runs through the first four innings. The Panthers struggled on offense as they were able to get runners on base early but couldn’t cash in with an RBI. They got 1 run in the third on a walk by Junior outfielder, Marley Filson, followed by a stolen base, a productive groundout, and then an RBI single by Senior JR Bedford.
The fifth inning was the first rough outing for Eli on the mound. He allowed 6 hits and 4 runs. However, the Panthers would answer with 2 more runs of their own in the bottom half of the fifth inning thanks to singles by Marley and Senior outfielder, Caven Croom, a double steal, an RBI groundout by Junior first baseman, Mateo Morales, a walk to JR, and an RBI sacrifice bunt by Senior catcher, Max Barnett-Abrams, cut the deficit to 1 run. The Spartans added 1 more in the seventh on two hits and an error, and the Panthers just couldn’t answer. The Spartans would win the game by the score of 5-3. Senior outfielder, Adrian Oster, said after the game that they had many opportunities to win that game and it’s important for them to do a better job capitalizing in key moments. They did run out of gas a little at the end, but Adrian said that wouldn’t have mattered if they had taken advantage of their opportunities.
The Panthers will look to regroup as they will return to action tomorrow, April 27th, when they host the Oakland Tech Bulldogs in a non-league matchup. First pitch is set for 4pm.
Panthers Win Weekend Matchup vs. Piedmont
April 22, 2023—In a non-league affair between two former Bay Shore Athletic League rivals, the Varsity Boys Baseball team traveled to Piedmont High School to take on the Highlanders on a Saturday afternoon where they would win by the score of 7-2.
The Panthers got a strong pitching performance from Sophomore right-hander, Brandon Sanchez, who would throw 5 innings and striking out 7 batters. He would only allow the only 2 Highlander runs for the day as well. Sanchez would then be relieved by Junior left-hander and utility player, Marley Filson, who would pitch the 6th and 7th inning, keeping the Highlanders off the scoreboard for those two innings and closing out the game to give the Panthers the victory.
Offensively, Senior right fielder, Quinn Connell, would have an RBI single for the game; Junior second baseman, Isaac Fendel, would go 1-3 with 2 RBIs; and Senior catcher, Max Barnett-Abrams, would also go 1-3 with an RBI as well.
The Panthers will return to TCAL play when they play host to the Pinole Valley High Spartans on Wednesday, April 26th, at Brady Park. It will also be Senior Day prior to the start of the game where the Panthers will honor 11 of their Seniors. First pitch is set for 4pm.
Filson’s Walk-Off Single Completes Regular Season Sweep of Bruins
April 19, 2023—After completing a late-inning comeback win over the St. Patrick-St. Vincent Bruins in Vallejo on Tuesday, the Panthers and the Bruins squared off, yet again, but this time at Brady Park. Although there was a change in venues, the outcome remained the same as the Panthers would defeat the Bruins by the score of 4-3 in yet another tightly contested matchup.
The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but the Bruins would not go away quietly as they would roar back scoring runs in both the 6th and the 7th inning to tie the game at 3.
However, the Panthers would regroup and respond in the 7th inning as Sophomore third baseman, Brandon Sanchez would lead off the inning with a walk. Senior outfielder, Eli Barnett-Abrams, would put down a successful bunt single, putting he and Sanchez on first second with one out. Then, with the next at-bat, Junior outfielder, Marley Filson, would hit a single into left field, bringing home Sanchez from second and giving the Panthers the walk-off win.
The Panthers will now transition into non-league play as they will travel to Piedmont to take on the Piedmont Highlanders this Saturday, April 22nd. First pitch is set for 1:00PM.
Panthers Take Down Bruins 2-1 Behind Donoviel’s 8-Inning Complete Game
April 18, 2023—In a showdown between two longtime rivals dating back to the old Bay Shore Athletic League days, the Panthers traveled to Vallejo to take on the St. Patrick-St. Vincent Bruins in a critical Tri-County Athletic League matchup where the Panthers looked to expand upon their first-place lead in the league standings.
The Panthers and the Bruins found themselves in a very close and low scoring game for much of the contest with the bruins clinging on to a 1-0 lead going into the 7th inning. However, with the bases loaded and no one out, Senior center fielder, Caven Croom, was hit by a pitch that brought in the game tying run and pushing this game into extra innings. However, in the 8th inning, the Panthers would push one more run past home as Senior shortstop, Derrick “JR” Bedford, would score via a Bruin wild pitch, ultimately giving the Panthers a 2-1 victory.
The player of the game for the Panthers, however, was Junior starting pitcher, Aidan Donoviel, who would go the distance throwing his first career complete game. Donoviel’s efficiency and ability to command his pitches was critical in keeping the Bruins offense off balance. Donoviel would also record 7 strikeouts in his outing as well.
The Panthers will look to build off of this victory when they host the very same St. Patrick-St. Vincent Bruins team they took on today. First pitch is set for tomorrow, April 19th, at 4:00pm at Brady Park.
Eli Barnett-Abrams Grand Slam Propels Panthers Over Dons in Critical TCAL Matchup
April 14, 2023—Following a 3-3 tie between the De Anza High Dons and the Saint Mary’s Panthers on Wednesday afternoon in El Sobrante, both teams met again in yet another classic TCAL showdown on Friday afternoon at Brady Park. However, this meeting would not end in a tie as the Panthers would go on to defeat the Dons by the score of 8-4.
The Panthers offense was nothing short of spectacular on this day. After trailing 1-0 very early in the game, the Panthers would respond by scoring two runs in the bottom of the first thanks to two errors by the Dons, giving the Panthers an early 2-1 lead after the first inning. The Panthers would maintain their small lead before scoring the next 6 runs in large part to their offensive outburst in the 4th inning.
Senior shortstop, J.R. Bedford, got the big inning started with a leadoff double. Junior second baseman, Isaac Fendel, would walk the next at bat, putting two runners on with no one out before Senior catcher, Max Barnett-Abrams, would hit a single to drive in Bedford. A successful bunt by Sophomore pitcher, Brandon Sanchez, would load the bases for the Panthers, allowing Senior third baseman, Ty Hickling, to hit a single into left field to drive in Fendel. The next at bat would be the one that ultimately put the game out of reach as Senior right fielder, Eli Barnett-Abrams, would crush a pitch over the left field wall, hitting his first grand slam of his Saint Mary’s career and capping off the big inning for the Panthers.
The Panthers would also get a strong effort from three of their pitchers—Senior Quinn Connell would start for the Panthers and throw a quality two innings before turning it over to Sophomore right-hander, Brandon Sanchez, who would keep the Dons offense at bay in his three innings of work where he would strikeout for Dons batters before being relieved by Junior right-hander, Aidan Donoviel, who would finish out the 6th and 7th innings, cementing the Panthers’ 8-4 victory and giving the Panthers a two-game lead in the TCAL standings as they sit alone in first place.
Even though this is the last regular season meeting between the Panthers and the Dons for the season, these two teams have found themselves in the early stages of a rivalry that will be filled with more excitement and close battles in the future.
The Panthers will look to build their cushion in the TCAL standings as they will travel to Vallejo on Tuesday, April 18th, to take on league foe, the St. Patrick-St. Vincent Bruins. First pitch is set for 4:00PM.
Fogelman’s Performance Powers Panthers Over Mustangs
April 6, 2023—In a non-league bout between two talented baseball teams, the Varsity Baseball Team was able to defeat the Mountain House High Mustangs by the score of 5-1 at Brady Park thanks to the right arm of Senior pitcher, Eli Fogelman. Fogelman propelled the Panthers to victory by throwing 6 innings, striking out 9, and allowing only three hits and one run in his start. Senior right-hander, Quinn Connell, would come in for Fogelman in the 7th inning and would put away the Mustangs for good, cementing the Panther win.
Offensively, the Panthers put together quality at bats and perfectly timed hits in key situations of the game. Along with closing out the 7th inning on the mound, Connell had a great day at the plate going 2 for 3 with 2 singles and an RBI. In addition to Connell’s offensive production, a handful of Juniors would make contributions of their own as Junior outfielder, Marley Filson, would hit a double that would set the tone for the Panthers offense; Junior infielder, Isaac Fendel, would continue is hot streak as he would go 1 for 2 with an RBI; and Junior first baseman, Mateo Morales, would also hit a single and drive in a run as well.
The Panthers will now take a few days off due to the Easter weekend and will return to TCAL action when they travel to De Anza High School in El Sobrante to take on the Dons in a pivotal league game. First pitch is set for Wednesday, April 12th, at 4:00pm.
Panthers Top Titans 9-1 Behind Strong Pitching and Hitting
April 4, 2023--On a Tuesday afternoon at Brady Park, the Varsity Baseball team hosted the Hercules High Titans and were hot right off the bat. The Panthers scored 5 runs in the first inning with walks for JR Bedford and Caven Croom, an error allowing Marley Filson to reach base safely, and hits by Mateo Morales, Max Barnett-Abrams, and Isaac Fendel.
In the third inning, a single by Max Barnett-Abrams, as well as Quinn Connell and Isaac Fendel both reaching base, allowed Ty Hickling to knock in 1 more run on a single to left field, extending the Panthers lead to 6-0.
In the fifth inning, Caven Croom reached base on a walk and stole his way to third base, allowing Aidan Donoviel to knock him in with a RBI groundout. Shortly after, Isaac Fendel and Brandon Sanchez both reached base to set up Eli Barnett-Abrams for a 2 RBI double, giving the Panthers a 9-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Aidan Donoviel was terrific on the mound, allowing no runs until the sixth inning. Then, Marley Filson would relieve Donoviel on the mound in the 7th inning and recording a 1-2-3 inning to secure a 9-1 win. JR said after the game that the team loves to have fun and get hyped before the game, and that allows them to dominate from the very beginning.
The Panthers look to build off their win as they will host the Mountain House High Mustangs on Thursday, April 6th, at Brady Park. First pitch is set for 4:00PM.
Baseball Wins 4th Straight, Improve to 4-0 in League
April 1, 2023—In back-to-back games versus their crosstown rival, the Albany High Cougars, the Varsity Baseball Team found a way to win by the final score of 4-0 behind the strong pitching performance of Sophomore Right-Hander, Brandon Sanchez, who went 6 innings without giving up a run and striking out 7 Cougar batters before giving way to Senior Right-Hander, Nico Laub-Sabater, who would strikeout 2 Cougar batters to close out the 7th inning, giving the Panthers the shutout victory and a stronger grip at the top of the TCAL standings with a 4-0 record.
Offensively, Junior outfielder, Marley Filson, went 2 for 4 with a single and a double; Junior infielder, Isaac Fendel, went 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI; and Senior catcher, Max Barnett-Abrams, went 2 for 2 with a single and a home run, which is his first of the year.
The Panthers will look to extend their winning streak when they will travel to the College of Alameda on Monday, April 3rd, to take on the team that they beat in the NCS Finals last year, the Saint Joseph Notre Dame Pilots. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00PM.
Barnett-Abrams and Filson Propel Panthers Over Jets
March 25, 2023—On a Saturday afternoon in Alameda, California, the Panthers traveled to Encinal High School to take on the Jets in a huge non-conference showdown. Early in the game, it was slow start for both teams trying to get their bats going, but the Panthers would ultimately be the team to break through offensively as the Panthers would score runs on the day, defeating the Jets by the score of 6-2.
The Panthers’ offense were led by Junior outfielder, Marley Filson, who went 2 for 3 at the plate with a single, a double, and 2 RBIs, and Senior catcher, Max. Barnett-Abrams, would also have a strong day at the plate as he would go 3 for 3 with a pair of singles, a double, and an RBI.
On the defensive side, the Panthers got a strong start from Sophomore right hander, Brandon Sanchez, who threw 4 innings, struck out 6 Jet batters, and gave up 2 runs. Sanchez would then be relieved by Senior right-hander, Eli Fogelman, who would throw the final 3 innings of the game, striking out 7 Jets batters to help seal the Panthers 6-2 victory.
The Panthers will now return to TCAL play as they will travel to take on crosstown rival, the Albany High Cougars. The game is scheduled for Monday, March 27th, with first pitch being set for 4:00PM.
Panthers Top Gauchos in Second League Meeting of the Season
March 22, 2023—On a Wednesday afternoon at Brady Park where the sun was out and the rain was nowhere in sight, the Varsity Baseball Team took to the field against longtime TCAL rival, the El Cerrito High Gauchos, in their second home game of the season.
The Panthers offense came alive early as the team would score 4 runs in the bottom of the first to give themselves a 4-0 lead. The early offensive outburst was highlighted by Junior outfielder, Marley Filson, as he would square one up into the center field gap for a triple, bringing in Senior shortstop, JR Bedford, home. Senior outfielder, Caven Croom, would also join in on the action as he would drive in another run in the first inning with a single to right field. Croom would also eventually score himself on a wild pitch.
Senior starting pitcher, Quinn Connell, had a great day both at the plate and on the mound as he would go 2 for 3 on the day, and pitch 6 1/3 innings before turning it over to fellow Senior, Ty Hickling, to close out the game, giving Hickling his second save of the season and cementing the Panthers’ 5-2 victory.
The Panthers will look to continue their strong play from this game as they will travel to Alameda this Saturday to take on the Encinal High Jets in a non-conference showdown. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00PM.
Panthers Mistakes Proves Costly Against Deer Valley
March 17, 2023—On a sunny afternoon at Brady Park, the Panthers played in their home opening game of the season against the Deer Valley High Wolverines of Antioch, California. However, even though the Panthers had aspirations of winning their home opening game, costly mistakes on offense and defense proved to be too much as the Panthers would lose 5-3.
The Panthers struggled to generate any offense, and struggled to bring home any runners that were left on base. On the defensive side, the Panthers pitching struggled to find the strike zone on a consistent basis, allowing Wolverine hitters to find their way on base due to walks. However, the one bright spot for the Panthers came from the right arm of Sophomore, Brandon Sanchez, who gave up one run in two innings and kept the Panthers within striking distance, giving them a chance to come back and win the game. However, the Panthers would go 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 7th inning, clinching the victory for the Wolverines.
However, despite the loss, the Panthers will have to turn the page and focus their attention on tomorrow as they return to action to take on the Alhambra High Bulldogs of Martinez, California. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday, March 18th, at 3:30PM.
Panthers Top Bulldogs 5-2 in San Rafael
February 22, 2022—On a windy afternoon in San Rafael, California, the Varsity Boys Baseball team took on the San Rafael High Bulldog in a nonleague, Division III showdown where both teams found themselves in a close battle until the Panthers would eventually pull through to beat the Bulldogs by the score of 5-2.
The Panthers got strong pitching performances by Senior starting pitcher, Quinn Connell, who pitched 5 strong innings and giving up 2 unearned runs; and Senior, Ty Hickling, who recorded his first save of the season.
In regards to the offense, the Panthers were led by Senior, Derrick “JR” Bedford, who went 2-3 with a single, a home run, and 2 RBIs; and Junior, Marley Filson, who also went 2-3 with a single, a double, and an RBI.
The Panthers will look to continue their hot start to the season as they will host the Redwood Christian High Eagles in their home opener of the 2023 season. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday, February 25th, at 1:00PM at Brady Park.
Panthers Open 2023 Season with Win Over Gauchos
February 17, 2023—Following a 2022 season where an NCS Championship was won and a push for a CIF Regional Title was well within the realm of possibility, the Varsity Baseball team opened the 2023 season in typical fashion with a win against fellow TCAL and long-time rival, the El Cerrito High Gauchos, by the score of 3-1.
The Panthers got a strong pitching performance from two of its Senior pitchers, Eli Fogelman and Quinn Connell, as both pitchers would combine for 14 strikeouts on the day while not allowing any walks. In regards to the Panthers offense, the team displayed a little rust but would eventually score runs at key moments of the game. In fact, in the top of the 7th inning with the Panthers holding on to a 2-1 lead, Junior left fielder, Marley Filson, would drive a ball into deep right center field where he would record an inside-the-park home run to give the Panthers a well needed insurance run, cementing the Panthers season opening victory.
Even though it was only the first game of the season, it was a big win for this Panthers squad who graduated 7 senior players from the 2022 team.
The Panthers will travel to Arroyo High School in San Lorenzo, CA, where they will take on the Dons on Tuesday, February 21st. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30PM.