Orange Panther of the Week: Ryan Hench

This week’s Orange Panther of the Week is junior pitcher Ryan Hench. On March 22, Hench went 3-for-3 with a three-run triple, a solo homer and another triple against Walter Williams. Hench also earned the win on the mound, throwing five innings and giving up just three hits with eight strikeouts. The following night, Hench had another home run, along with another triple, as the Panthers defeated Southwestern Randolph 9-2 in Hillsborough. Hench had seven total bases against the Wildcats. This season, Hench has nine pitching appearances for Orange. He has a 1.08 ERA and leads the team with a 41 strikeouts. Last season, Hench was the co-Big 8 Conference Pitcher of the Year. His start this season has propelled Orange to an 7-1 start in the Central Carolina Conference, placing the Panthers in first place. The Panthers are going for its first conference championship since 2016. Orange will face Cedar Ridge in a two-game series starting on Tuesday night at Red Wolves Baseball Field at 7PM. The Panthers will also take on the Red Wolves Thursday night at Orange High.