BURTON PANTHERS FORCE GAME 3; FALL JUST SHORT OF STATE FINAL

On Thursday, the Burton Panthers battled to keep their season alive in the Texas State Semi-Finals against the Overton Mustangs at Don Sanders Stadium, Sam Houston State University. With their backs against the wall, the Panthers delivered a dominant performance in Game 2 to force a decisive Game 3. Unfortunately, they came up just short in the finale, ending their incredible season one game shy of a State Championship appearance.

Game 2 was a showcase of stellar defense and timely offense for the Panthers, who shut out Overton and stranded 10 Mustang baserunners in a 6-0 win.

Burton jumped ahead early, scoring the first of three two-run innings in the opening frame. Ryder Biggs, Ruben Rodriguez, and Eli Jaeger delivered three consecutive singles to start the game. In the bottom half of the inning, Overton loaded the bases with no outs, but center fielder Ruben Rodriguez made a highlight-reel diving catch, and pitcher Tyler Witt followed with back-to-back strikeouts to escape the jam and preserve the 2-0 lead.

The Mustangs threatened again in the top of the 4th, once again loading the bases—this time with one out. But Burton’s defense stepped up yet again. Logun Tosta turned a spectacular solo double play at second base to end the inning and keep the shutout intact. Tosta was injured on the play but made the crucial stop before exiting the game.

The Panthers extended their lead in the bottom of the 5th. Tyler Witt led off with a triple, followed by another triple from Biggs, who then scored on a sacrifice fly by Rodriguez. The outburst added two more runs, giving Burton a 4-0 advantage.

They sealed the game in the 7th inning. Isaac Matthies led off with a single, and with two outs, Biggs drew a walk. Rodriguez and Jaeger each delivered RBI singles to drive in two insurance runs, pushing the lead to 6-0. The Panthers quickly recorded the final three outs in the bottom of the 7th, securing the win and forcing a winner-take-all Game 3.

PITCHING 

TYLER WITT: 7 IP / 4 K SHUTOUT W

BATTING

RYDER BIGGS: 2-3 / 3B / 1B / RBI / 3 Rs / BB

TYLER WITT: 2-4 / 3B / 1B / R 

ELI JAEGER: 3-4 / 3 1Bs / 2 RBIs

Game 3 of the State Semi-Final between the Burton Panthers and the Overton Mustangs was a tense, defensive battle with everything on the line. In a game where baserunners were common but runs were rare, both teams fought tooth and nail for a shot at the State Championship.

Through five innings, the contest remained a tightly contested one-run game. Though both squads managed to get runners aboard, neither could break through with timely hits—highlighting the defensive grit on both sides.

That changed in the bottom of the 6th. With two runners on, Overton delivered the game’s biggest blow—a 3-run inside-the-park home run that extended their lead to 4-0 heading into the final inning.

Refusing to go quietly, the Panthers pushed across their first run of the game in the 7th as Tyler Witt came around to score. With two runners still on base and hope alive, Burton’s rally came to a heartbreaking end with a pop-up caught in left field. The Panthers left 12 runners stranded throughout the game—a statistic that ultimately proved to be the difference.

While the result was not what they hoped for, the Burton Panthers closed the book on an incredible season—one game short of a State Championship berth. Their effort, resilience, and heart made their hometown proud.

Despite the loss, the future is bright in Burton. With a young and talented core returning, the Panthers have laid a strong foundation for continued success. The city of Burton stands behind its team, proud of how far they’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.

PITCHING

RYDER BIGGS: 7 IP / 3Ks

BATTING

TYLER WITT: 2-3 / 2 1Bs / R / BB

ELI JAEGER: 4 BBs

ISSAC MATTHIES: 1-3 / 2B