Providence moves to the verge of a perfect season

Panthers blank Pinecrest in opening game of the NCHSAA 4A baseball finals

The Providence baseball team has been a handful for every opponent it has faced in 2022 and the undefeated Panthers proved to be just that once again on Friday, as they blanked Pinecrest, 3-0, in the opening game of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A baseball state finals in Burlington.

The game was a tight battle, but Providence ace Eli Jerzembeck would not be denied. The South Carolina commit dominated from start to finish in the shutout effort, moving his Panthers to 33-0 on the season and within one victory of the state crown.

Providence scored what would prove to be the winning run when Sam Dansky scored Camden Hull with an RBI fielder’s choice grounder.

Pinecrest made a bid to tie the game in the top of fourth when Colby Wallace, an East Carolina commit, got his second hit of the game and stole second base. Jerzembeck, however, shut off the the threat with his seventh strikeout of the contest.

Providence added some insurance in the top of sixth when Collin McDougall singled home his team’s second run and then scored the third on a triple by Tyler Khanolkar.

Pinecrest senior Cove Mashburn closed his high school career with a strong performance, as he allowed just one hit through the first five innings. He was lifted after Providence’s first runner reached base in the top of the sixth and was charged with two runs.