(Lori Gronvold for the PCT) Anders Johnson slides into base Tuesday at the Region 5 baseball tournament in Rugby.

The Rugby Panthers had a huge target on their backs in the Region 5 baseball tournament.

And despite a 13-4 loss Tuesday, the team was able to rebound the next day and win two games against North Star for a return to the state tournament in Jamestown.

On Wednesday the Panthers beat North Star 11-4 in game 1 and 9-4 in game 2.

The target on the Panthers’ backs wasn’t just showing on Tuesday, but also in a 4-3 win against Bottineau the day before.

Rugby got its first run thanks to Landen Foster, who hit a single and was able to steal second base.

However, Bottineau was neck-in-neck at times with the Panthers.

The Panthers would have a rally thanks to a two RBI double from Kyle Ebach in the sixth inning. Bottineau would tie 3-3 later. In the bottom of the seventh inning, it would be Isaiah Johnson, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI, who would get the winning run on a ground out by Shayden Luna.

The next day, North Star was able to get an early 6-run advantage. After the loss, the Panthers had to play Bottineau again.

The Panthers had a better result against Bottineau the second time around, with an 8-1 victory.

The state tournament will be in Jamestown June 1-3.

– Tribune Staff Report