OBSERVER Staff Report

GOWANDA — The Gowanda Panthers defeated Cleveland Hill, 9-1, in a Section VI Class B2 quarterfinal baseball game at Gowanda High School, on Friday. The Panthers opened up their Class B2 sectional playoff action with a bang — scoring seven runs in the first two innings — propelling Gowanda to victory and another home playoff game on Tuesday.

Bryan Zynda was on the hill for Gowanda and pitched four innings, gave up one run on two hits, two walks and eight strikeouts.

“I liked our pitching,” said Gowanda head coach Tim Smith. “We went with four different guys. I think we played decent defense.”

Andrew Gerber was the losing pitcher for Cleveland Hill. Gerber pitched a complete game, gave up nine runs on ten hits, seven walks and six strikeouts.

Justin Kohn led the Panthers offense with two RBI and a double during hit 2-for-4 performance. Nick Siragusa went 2-for-3 with a RBI and a double, Zynda added a 2-for-3 performance and a double, and Cole Herman had a RBI single.

Gowanda is back in action on Tuesday, when they host Allegany-Limestone at 5 p.m.