Panthers rout Northeast Vernon County

Sheldon's Micah Swanson pitches during Friday's season-opener against the Knights of Northeast Vernon County High School. Nicole Garner/Daily Mail

SHELDON -- The Sheldon Panthers baseball team opened the 2014 spring season on a high note, pounding out an 11-3 victory over the Northeast Vernon County Knights Friday, at the Panthers' home field.

Junior Micah Swanson pitched the first five innings for Sheldon, recording 10 strikeouts for the win. Juniors Brandon Kirbey and Trenton Heckadon led the Panthers' offense, as they each recorded two doubles and a single.

Friday's contest never really was in question, as the Panthers struck early and often, putting the Knights away, almost before the night even got started. In each of the contest's first three innings, the Panthers plated a pair of runs, ultimately putting head coach Jeremy Barger's Knights in a deep hole.

Northeast Vernon County's Michael Weisensee pitches during Friday's loss at Sheldon. Nicole Garner/Daily Mail

Barger's squad was able to cut into that deficit in the top half of the fourth inning, plating one run to cut the deficit to five, at 6-1. The Panthers gained that run back and more in the home half of the frame, however, plating two more runs to take an 8-1 lead into the fifth.

The Knights were able to touch Swanson for one more run in the top of the fifth inning, ultimately bringing an end to his day on the mound. That was as close as it got, however, as the Panthers put up their last three runs in the home half of the frame, to take an 11-2 lead into the sixth.

Swanson's day came to an end after allowing two runs on no hits and two walks, to go along with his 10 strikeouts. Once he made his exit, Zach Enochs and Reed Worsley combined to close out the contest, allowing a total of one run on one hit with three walks, between them.

Sheldon's Reed Worsley dives for the ball during Friday's season-opening victory over NEVC. Nicole Garner/Daily Mail

That one run for the Knights came in the top of the seventh inning, but that was all the offense Barger's squad was able to muster, ultimately handing the Panthers the eight-run victory.

With the win, Irwin's squad opened the season with a record of 1-0, while the Knights opened their 2014 campaign 0-1. The Panthers were scheduled to be back in action Monday, heading out on the road to take on Golden City.

The Knights were scheduled to be on the road Monday, as well, taking on Wheatland. Results from those contests were not available at press time.