Panther Valley may have had some magic dust to sprinkle around its field late Thursday afternoon.

Every time the Panthers needed a way to score runs, or bailout of trouble, they had answers.

Plenty of answers, but when it came down to getting the game’s final out, they nearly ran out of luck. Somehow, Panther Valley dodged a huge come-from-behind rally by Marian and held on by a hair to secure a much-needed 7-6 victory.

In the most important game of the year thus far for both teams, Marian (7-3, 10-5) could have all but wrapped up the Division 3 title of the Schuylkill Baseball League with a victory. Instead, Panther Valley (8-3, 11-6) and the Colts are now in a virtual tie heading into the final week of the season.

Both teams have two league games remaining to play, with the Colts also having a forfeit victory over Weatherly that they will receive credit for on May 6.

“We just hung in there because we have great senior leadership,” said Panther Valley coach Richie Evanko, who must of felt breathless when his team let a four-run lead nearly dissipate in the top of the seventh.

“I can’t say enough about the way we hung in there,” said Marian coach Tony Radocha. “Here we are battling tooth-and-nail and we booted it around a couple of times, and still nearly found a way to get a win.”

Those boots Radocha referred to were evident in the first inning when Panther Valley scored three runs — all unearned. Starting pitcher Brad Buzzard had the key hit for the Panthers in the frame.

Marian pecked away at the PV lead, scoring twice in the fourth on a double by Mike Minchhoff, an RBI single from Randy Cann, and a run-producing single from Hunter Fristick. It then tied the game at 3-3 with a run in the fifth.

“They dug their heels in there, and nearly turned it around,” said Evanko. “They’re the defending division champions, and we had to come up with answers, and we did. Our kids just responded so well in that (sixth inning). I can’t be more proud how we found a way to win this game.

“I thought the key play for us is when our centerfielder (Brad Buzzard)threw out their runner trying to score from second on the hit in the sixth inning. That kind of got us all excited when we came in to bat.”

The Panthers built on that excitement when Wyatt Zimmerman slugged a double to start the home sixth. Jake Taras then laid down a perfect bunt that turned into a hit with Zimmerman scooting to third. Josh Robin then induced a five-pitch walk to load the bases.

That set the stage for an unlikely suicide squeeze from Kokinda with one out — which brought a big smile to Evanko’s face after the game.

“You know we like to bunt, I like to bunt and I told all of our players that it doesn’t matter – one through nine in the order – you’re going to get called on to bunt sometime,” said Evanko. “Jake did a super job, and what more can I say about the squeeze by Kokinda.”

Chuck Byers followed with a two-run double before Mason Goida capped the four-run outburst with an RBI groundout that made it 7-3.

But, Marian wasn’t going down without a fight.

Kokinda, who relieved starter Buzzard, got a quick out before walking Minchhoff. He then got the second out on an infield pop.

But Matt Doherty coaxed a walk, and Fristick followed with an RBI single. Pinch-hitter Nick Goff drew a free pass to load the bases, and when Dante Agosti reached on an error, two more runs scored to make it 7-6. Panther Valley then walked hot-hitting Aaron Mason to load the sacks before Kokinda ended the threat with a strikeout.

“We took care of business today, and we’ve now given ourselves a chance to at least tie for the division,” said Evanko.

LEADERS … Byers (two RBIs); Buzzard and Zimmerman all had extra-basehits for the PV ... Mason, Cann and Fristick had two hits for Marian, while Minchhoff had a double.

FLINGING IT … Buzzard had great stuff early and threw 90 pitches, 63 for strikes. Kubishin tossed 100, including 64 strikes.

Marian 000 210 3 - 6 9 4

Panther Valley 300 004 x - 7 5 3

Kubishin, Cann (6) and Rickert; Buzzard, Kokinda (6) and Taras. W - Kokinda. L - Cann.