Spartans hold off Panorama behind Petersen’s three doubles, clutch relief pitching

 ELK HORN (July 5) -- Tyler Petersen hit three doubles, drove in two runs and also picked up the save with two perfect innings of relief on Friday night, leading the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton baseball team to a 5-4 non-conference win over Panorama.
 The Spartans (9-10) led 2-1 after one inning and scored three runs in the fifth to build a nice cushion.
 The Panthers got to E-EHK starter Josh Pettepier for three runs in the top of the sixth but Petersen put out the fire and recorded the final six outs using just 16 pitches. The game ended on an acrobatic, leaping catch by shortstop Cole Burmeister.
 In addition to Tyler Petersen’s big night at the plate, the Spartans got singles from Burmeister, Anthony Kingery, Trey Nelson and Trey Petersen.
 Pettepier (2-2) allowed six hits and three earned runs in five-plus innings, striking out six and walking none.