For seven innings, Goodrich’s baseball team stood toe to toe with Lapeer West and their ace pitcher, Will Jostock.
However, the Panthers put across two runs in the top of the eighth inning and earned a 2-0 win against the host Martians in Goodrich’s season opener March 31.
With several pro scouts in attendance to watch Jostock and Goodrich senior pitcher Michael McCormick, the two hurlers put on a pitching clinic, allowing a combined three hits in the eight-inning game.
McCormick blanked the Panthers for five innings, allowing only one hit while striking out 10. Senior Kori Garman relieved McCormick and took the loss for Goodrich, allowing an unearned run in the top of the eighth. Garman only gave up one hit in his stint on the mound.
Jostock pitched seven innings and struck out 17 while allowing only one hit, to Goodrich senior third baseman Brent Koss.
“It’s hard to get a gauge on our hitting because that’s the best pitcher we’ll face all year,” Goodrich coach Bob Foreback said of Jostock. “Hopefully, our bats will wake up later in the season. Good pitching always beats good hitting, and that was the case last night.”
The Martians hosted Oxford in an April 3 contest. Their next game is tonight when they host Bendel in a 4 p.m. contest.