Indians earn split with PJC

The Chipola Indians picked up a needed win Wednesday at Chipola Field, topping the first-place Pensacola Pirates 15-9 to earn a split in the mid-week series.

PJC defeated Chipola 3-2 Tuesday in Pensacola, but the Indians responded with one of their best offensive efforts of the season Wednesday, posting 11 runs in the first four innings.

Moses Montero delivered a pair of three-run home runs for the Indians, one in the first inning and the other in the seventh inning, driving in six runs on the game.

Edmond Sparks also homered for Chipola, which remains a full game ahead of Tallahassee for second place in the Panhandle Conference at 9-5.

“I was pleased with the effort,” Chipola coach Jeff Johnson said. “I’m happy with how we’ve played last two days. I was not pleased with losing (Tuesday), but if we keep playing this way, the winning will take care of itself.”

While the Indians’ offense dominated, Chipola starter Drew Parker struggled on the mound, giving up six earned runs on six hits in one inning.

However, Kyle Regnault came in and reined in the Pirates’ attack, going 6 1/3 innings and giving up just two earned runs and striking out four.

It’s a role that Regnault has thrived in this season.

“Drew did not have his best start, but we didn’t panic and Kyle Regnault came in and did a great job,” Johnson said. “Kyle has been good for us in relief all year. He’s going to have to be with Ryan Chaffee out. Guys have to step up and Regnault and Jason Bailey have been doing a great job for us.”

Despite Tuesday’s loss, Johnson said he was happy with what he saw from his team, something he said he wasn’t seeing earlier in the season.

“We had a tough one over there Tuesday night, but the kids played hard,” the coach said. “We left some opportunities there, but it was not for lack of effort.
“That was something I was proud to see. We’re just doing a much better job with our focus, our attitude and our execution.
“If we keep doing those things, we maybe have a chance.”

Chipola next plays Gulf Coast Friday at 5 p.m. in Panama City before concluding the series Saturday at 1 p.m. at Chipola Field.
With PJC and Tallahassee playing a two-game series this weekend, the Indians, should they win, will have a chance to either move into first place or get some more breathing room in second.

“It’s a huge series for us,” Johnson said. “I hope we can keep building on the last day or two, get back to playing the game the right way and build on the way we’re playing.
“We’re doing the little things better now. Once start getting the effort, passion, focus and concentration consistently, then we can start getting better.”
Johnson said that Matt Jackson is going to start on the mound in Friday’s game, though he has yet to decide on Saturday’s starter.