MAIZE— Wet field conditions, stranded runners and six errors proved costly for Great Bend as the Panthers fell in a 9-3 regional decision Tuesday to Salina-South in Maize. Tuesday’s regional was called in the fifth inning due to an increasingly wet playing surface as rain showers continued to cause havoc for grounds crews.

Salina South punched nine hits for the outing while the Panthers were held to six.

“What hurt us offensively is that we didn’t capitalize when we had runners in scoring position,” said coach Randy Beck.  “The fourth inning was our best chance to make a comeback with two runs but we left bases loaded to end the inning.

Great Bend surrendered five runs in their first defensive stand. The Panthers tried to mount a rally late in the contest but the Cougars were able to add some insurance with a two-run fourth while shutting down the Great Bend hitting game to claim the victory.

“The bottom of the first hurt us giving up five runs and having to play from behind,” Beck said. “Anson (Hall) pitched well and kept the ball down in the zone but a few mistakes defensively, especially early in the game, allowed Salina-South extra at-bats and they are too good of a team for us to allow that.”

Jared Maneth had two hits off his two at-bats while lead off man Bryce Lytle hit two for four. Lytle and Shade Wondra posted an RBI each in the effort.

The Panthers lit the board in the top of the second with a run and added two more in the fourth and trailed 7-3 heading to the bottom of the inning. The Cougars reeled in two more runs in the frame to take a 9-3 advantage and the eventual victory.

Hall took the loss after three innings as starter and allowed seven runs off of seven hits. Hall walked two batters and struck out two. Wondra came on in relief to work the final two innings striking out three opposing batters. Two of those strikeouts came in the fourth as Wondra faced three batters in that frame.

The Panthers end the season at 9-10.