COLUMBUS, GA (March 5, 2022) – The Claflin Panthers (1-3, 0-1 PBC) got a slow start to conference play as the team took a 33-5 loss to the Columbus State Cougars (15-3, 1-0 PBC), Friday evening. Though there was no shortage of effort from the Panthers, the team could not find any answers for the offensive onslaught that the Cougars presented, Friday evening.
The Panthers were able to show some signs of progress in spite of the tough loss. Claflin totaled five hits in the game, including a double and a home run. Panther freshman outfielder Kobe Miller led the way for the team when he went two-for-three at the plate with two runs scored. Junior Da’Avion Sumpter went one-for-three with a double and a run scored while graduate Steven Joyner hit a two-run homer for the Panthers.
Things got rough early for the Panthers, but the team we able to show some signs of life. Claflin trailed 12-0 before Joyner hit a two-RBI double in the third inning. The Panthers also added a sixth inning run when junior right fielder Rufus Hurdle, Jr. hit an RBI fielder’s choice to score Sumpter in the sixth inning. The effort left the Panthers trailing 32-3. The Panthers ended the game on a high note when Joyner hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning to seal the 33-5 loss.
With the loss, the Panthers open Peach Belt Conference (PBC) play at 0-1. The two teams will close out the weekend series with a doubleheader tomorrow afternoon. Game one is set for a 1:00 p.m. first pitch. For more information on Panthers baseball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.