ORANGEBURG, SC (March 13, 2023) – The Claflin Panthers (0-17, 0-12 PBC) played some solid defense, but some late struggles cost the team in a 17-3 loss to the Augusta (Ga.) Jaguars (10-10, 6-6 PBC), Monday afternoon. The Panthers gave a great effort throughout the entire game, but the team allowed seven runs in the final two innings of the tough loss.
As a team, the Panthers struggled at the plate, but the team was able to get some runs across the plate. The team totaled four hits in the game. Claflin junior outfielder Kobe Miller led the with a double and two runs batted in (RBI). Sophomore outfielder Jelani Howard was one-for-two at the plate with a walk.
The Panthers started the game on a high note. After allowing three first inning runs to the Jaguars, the team answered with three runs of their own. Senior catcher Rufus Hurdle, Jr. drew a bases-loaded walk to score sophomore short stop Joshua Cooper. Miller followed the effort with a two RBI double that scored senior second base Da’Avion Sumter and junior centerfielder Duane Henderson, Jr. The effort tied the game, 3-3. Unfortunately, the Panthers were unable to score again while allowing the Jaguars to score 14 unanswered runs.
Claflin redshirt-freshman James Goodwin (0-1) had a great start for the Panthers. He went four full innings and finished the game with three strikeouts. Junior Chris Holley came in for three innings and he finished with two strikeouts as well.
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 0-17 on the season and 0-12 in Peach Belt Conference play. The team will return to action, Wednesday, when they host the Francis Marion Patriots at Historic Mirmow Field. For more information on Panthers baseball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.
