Panthers Punch Back in Wild Opening Day Finale
Hartnell capped off the opening day in dramatic fashion, outlasting Lassen 18–17 in the second game of the doubleheader Friday afternoon as the sunset on Tony Teresa Diamond.
Opening Day DH – Game 2
Panthers Punch Back in Wild Opening Day Finale
SALINAS, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2026) — Hartnell capped off the opening day in dramatic fashion, outlasting Lassen 18–17 in the second game of the doubleheader Friday afternoon as the sunset on Tony Teresa Diamond.
The Panthers jumped out early, scoring four runs in the first inning and never letting the Cougars fully take control despite multiple lead changes throughout the game. Hartnell finished with 19 hits, showcasing depth throughout the lineup in a back-and-forth offensive battle.
John Clinkenbeard delivered a huge day at the plate, going 2-for-6 with a home run and four RBIs, while Spencer Merritt was nearly unstoppable, finishing 5-for-6 with a home run and three RBIs. Brennan Lane added three RBIs, and Hayden Orrill and Ethan Stelzer each drove in two runs.
Lassen answered repeatedly, highlighted by a five-run sixth inning and another five runs in the eighth, setting up a tense finish. Hartnell entered the bottom of the eighth trailing before responding with five runs of their own, regaining the lead for good.
Xavier Mendez chipped in an RBI, and Kaulana Quinlan added a pair of RBIs as part of the decisive rally. The Panthers' offense produced runs in six different innings, keeping constant pressure on the Cougars' pitching staff.
Ethan Stelzer delivered a true all-around performance, starting the game in left field and making an impact defensively before coming up big at the plate. He drove in two runs, including a key double to left field in the bottom of the eighth that ignited a five-run rally and helped Hartnell take the lead going into the ninth. Stelzer later moved to the mound as daylight faded, closing out the game with 1.2 scoreless innings and three strikeouts to earn the win.
The victory completed a split of the opening day doubleheader and gave Hartnell momentum heading into the early season.
Hartnell will look to build on Friday's offensive performance as the Panthers continue their opening stretch of the 2026 campaign.