With a 2-1 win over North Star on Monday, the Rugby Panthers’ baseball team are the top seed in Region 5.

The win comes on the heels of the Panthers dropping two games-one of them in extra innings-to Bishop Ryan in Minot, and also a 5-4 home win against Bottineau late last week.

Anders Johnson gave up only one run in his turn at the mound. After that, classmate Dillon Marco provided relief and struck out six batters in over two innings.

Marco was also credited with two RBIs in the game, including a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning and a single in the sixth inning.

A few days prior, the Panthers lost 5-1 and 3-2 against Bishop Ryan.

The day before saw Nathaniel Haman hit an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning in a 4-4 game against Bottineau. Haman’s hit allowed Landen Foster to head for home and seal the deal.

At the mound, John Mueller pitched six innings and Johnson threw relief for one.

Isaiah Johnson and Mayson McCabe were both able to get two hits apiece in the game against Bottineau.

With the win against North Star, the Panthers not only are the top seed, but also are the host of the regional tournament May 22-24.

The Panthers traveled to Harvey on Thursday and are playing today in a jamboree at home. Next action before regionals includes a road trip to Rolette to take on Northern Lights.

– Tribune Staff Report