Mead rallies for wild victory over Shadle Park

Baseball is a game of second chances. Just ask Mead’s Skyler Lookabill. A day after getting caught trying to steal third base for the final out in a wild 19-18 loss to Central Valley, Lookabill belted a walk-off, three-run homer as the Panthers rallied for a 13-10 win over the visiting Shadle Park Highlanders in a Greater Spokane League game Tuesday afternoon. With a stiff wind blowing out, Lookabill lifted the first pitch over the left-field fence. It was a much-needed win for the Panthers, who hope to stay in the chase for the league championship. “I knew all I had to do was get a fly ball to the outfield,” said Lookabill, who came to the plate with one out and teammates at first and third base. “I just felt confident. The first pitch came and it felt good. I was just trying to get (the runner at third) in. It just felt great to step up after yesterday. That was tough to swallow, making the last out. I wanted to make up for that.” The win evened Mead’s league record at 4-4 while Shadle Park slipped to 4-4 with its fourth straight loss. A day after finding themselves in an 18-1 hole against CV, the Panthers had to fight back from another deficit. Shadle freshman Evan Douglas hit his second grand slam of the season and second one in the first inning as the Highlanders jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Through two innings, Shadle led 7-3, and Mead still hadn’t had a hit. The Panthers pulled within 10-9 when they scored six runs in the sixth. Brandon Costello had the big hit, scoring two runs on a single. “When the game was on the line he (Lookabill) got it done,” Mead coach Jason Reich said. “The last two games have been a roller coaster of emotions for our team. We needed a win. We’ve got to try and stay in the hunt and keep getting wins.”