French Camp dropped its first two Region 5-1A baseball games to two-time defending state champion Nanih Waiya 16-3 and 10-2.
Big innings by Nanih Waiya were the story of the games. The Warriors had a five-run second and an eight-run seventh in the first game and a six-run second in the second game.
“We didn't play badly. They (Nanih Waiya) hit the ball well,” said FCA coach Nathan Wright.
The Panthers' eight hits in the first game included doubles by Cody Perry, Seth Box, Bradley Edwards and Philip Lucas, who had two RBIs.
Jake Kight led Nanih Waiya's 17-hit attack with a single, double, homer and four RBIs.
Costly errors enabled Nanih Waiya to jump out to an 8-0 lead in the second game. “It was a decent game after that,” Wright said. “Holman Edwards pitched a good game, but we didn't play good defense behind him.”
The Panthers managed only two hits by Jarren Holmes and Javen Anderson. “We hit the ball pretty well, We just didn't get many hits,” Wright said.
French Camp continued region play with a game at Noxapater Tuesday and a home game with Noxapater Thursday. That will be followed by two region games each with McAdams and Ethel.
Playoffs begin April 18 with the top four teams from 5-1A playing against teams from 6-1A.
