When Jeremy Charles transferred from the University of Hartford, it was clear the Old Westbury Panthers were getting a terrific addition to their pitching staff.
What he has done in his two starts has far exceeded what they could’ve hoped for. After firing seven dominant innings against Kean University–including retiring the final 20 batters he faced–he has now put himself into the early conversation for Skyline Pitcher of the Year.
Photo Credit: Old Westbury Athletics
The Panthers got out to an early 1-0 on an RBI ground out by Dean Sheridan. The Cougars answered back in their half of the first inning with a run on an RBI single.
That was the last time they sniffed first base.
Charles went into cruise control and retired the side in each of the next six innings with nine strikeouts to bring his total to 18 before the calendar hits March.
The offense gave him more than enough of support. The eventual game-winning run scored in the fourth inning on a dropped fly ball by the right fielder to put the Panthers up 2-1. They added a run on a sac-fly by catcher Carlos Balmaceda. In the eighth inning, they added another run on an RBI ground out by Michael Cardino.
Reliever Vinny Caputo threw a scoreless eighth and closer Ryan Mordecai closed it out with a 1-2-3 ninth inning for their first victory of the season.
The Panthers will take on Baruch College tomorrow in a DH at Baseball Heaven beginning at noon.
