ORANGEBURG, SC – The Claflin Panthers (1-31) put on their best performance of the season when the team took a 12-6 win over the Paine Lions (10-10), Wednesday evening. The Panthers combined some dynamic pitching with some strong hitting to claim the win.
The Panthers had a great day at the plate. As a team, the Panthers totaled 10 hits with just one fielding error. Claflin sophomore short stop Joshua Cooperled the way when he went three-for-five with a double, a run scored and two runs batted in (RBI). Senior catcher DeShawnte Carraway went two-for-four with a double, a run scored, and an RBI. Senior outfielder Rufus Hurdle went two-for-four with two runs scored and an RBI as well.
The highlight of the game came early when senior designated hitter McKenzie Gay hit a three-run home run in the first inning to set the tone for the rest of the game.
The Panthers did the bulk of their scoring in the first two innings when the team scored three first inning runs and eight second inning runs. The team added an insurance run in the fifth inning.
On the mound, the Panthers sent five to the mound. Junior Roman Woods-Golston got the start and did the bulk of the work as he went four innings with three strikeouts. Senior Khalil Hassan added two innings with a strikeout while senior Jadin Harden and senior Elliot Figueora both had an inning of play and added a strikeout each. Senior Kyle Hawkins came to close out the game and recorded a pair of ninth inning strikeouts.
With the win, the Panthers improve to 1-31. The team will return to Peach Belt Conference play, Saturday, when they host the Georgia College & State Bobcats in a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader. For more information on Panthers baseball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (83) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.
Courtesy of Claflin University Athletic Department