Tigers Offensive Explosion Tops Talented Panthers 15 - 3 In State Playoffs

The Chapel Hill Tigers were hitting on all cylinders and then some in the 2nd round of the NCHSAA Playoffs plating 15 runs on 17 hits to best their conference foe the Orange Panthers 15 – 3 in front of a standing room only crowd at Tiger Field Saturday night. The evening had a collegiate type atmosphere with crowds of tailgating before the game, college and professional scouts throughout, and great fan support from both teams. Orange Panther mascot “Pounce the Panther” even made his way into visitor’s territory and was in attendance.

Six Tigers had multiple hits with center fielder Tyler Tachman and 1st baseman Adam Guskiewicz leading the way with 3 hits apiece. Tiger second baseman Colin Liebe, right fielder Anthony Castellano, and pitcher Alex Rossman each had two hits for the hard hitting Tigers. Rossman pitched the first four innings allowing 2 earned runs, 4 hits, walking 1 and struck out 4 in the outing. Tiger shortstop and closer Tyler Hansen closed out the game on the mound throwing the fifth and final inning. Hansen allowed his first earned run of the year in over 20 innings of relief in the 2018 season. Hansen, having suffered a separated collarbone a month earlier, had appeared in the past 2 games in only a defensive and pitching capacity. The Tiger shortstop had 2 hits in his return to the batting lineup and continued his stellar offensive production as he has in his entire 4 year Tiger career.

The Orange Panthers were not without offensive success. In the five innings played they delivered 3 earned runs on 6 hits. Panther ace Will White returned to the mound after suffering a severely bruised foot 2 weeks earlier on a hard hit grounder back to the mound. The Tigers barrage of hard hit balls often times were perfectly placed in between Panther players causing continuous defensive chaos for the normally sure handed club. The Panthers have entered into the state playoffs for the 16th straight year under 34 year head coach Dean Dease.

The 4th seeded Tigers return to action in the final field of 16 teams Tuesday night when they host 5th seeded Wilson Fike with a 7 pm first pitch.

This will likely be the final high school broadcast of the season given the Carolina Diamond Heels season conclusion and potential post season run. WCHL High School sports would like to sincerely thank all schools, coaches, players, and fans for their loyal following and hospitality.