First Aid and CPR/AED Classes

A parent in PAC, Ashley Graham, is an instructor in First Aid and CPR/AED certification.
She is offering to do classes for our coaches and players who would be interested in one or both.

Cost:
CPR/AED: $55
First Aid:$55
Both: $90

Possible Dates:
Friday June 23 or 30 at 5:30
Saturday June 24 or July 1 at 9:30

CPR/AED is about 3-3 1/2 hours
First Aid is about 2 hours

Student manuals- recommended (at least one per household), but not
required. $15/piece and I would need to know in advance how
many people would like a book so they can be ordered to have enough on hand.

I need all coaches and players who are interested to respond with the following information.
-CPR class or First Aid class or Both
-Dates-put every date that you are available, first one being your preference

Again they are not required but it is always good to have knowledge in First Aid and CPR.

Please contact Ashley Graham at ashleymarie1189@gmail.com, 252-227-3153 so she can know how to proceed with setting up the classes.

The Panthers held their season ending party at their normal shelter at Saluda Shoals as they celebrated the 2017 season. The kids played volleyball, ga-ga ball, threw Frisbees and took a dip in the river when they got too hot while the parents enjoyed fellowship with each other (and snuck into the occasional volleyball game).

The teams presented their year-end awards and discussed their seasons. The B-Team (coached by James Duke, Chris Gay and Michael Reed) finished the 2017 season with a record of 11-6.  Chandler Yoder won the defensive award for his work at shortstop and Justin Thurber won the pitching most valuable award.  Cameron Duke won the Silver Bat award which goes to the best hitter each year.  Chandler Yoder won his second award and the most important when he added his name to those who have won the Mr. Panther award which goes to the player that the players and coaches believe best reflected God’s character during the long baseball season.

The JV team (coached by Stephen Hucks, Scott Leslie and Cole Plyler) finished the 2017 with a record of 9-10-1.  Andrew French won the defensive award (Golden Glove) for his work at short and Samuel Leslie won the pitching award.  Billy Amick won the Silver Slugger award as he set several new offensive records for the JV team.  Chris Johnson won the Mr. Panther award for his consistently great attitude and willingness to do whatever the coaches asked him to do.

The Varsity team finished 2017 with a 23-10 record. Will Lawyer won the pitching MVP award and Parker Pocock won the Golden Glove award.  Danny Waller and James Reed shared the Silver Slugger award as they both had outstanding seasons at the plate.  Alex McKay won the Mr. Panther award for the first time at the varsity level.

The Panther baseball program says goodbye to nine seniors this year.

Austin “Stump” Coates graduates after playing two years at Varsity and one year for the Junior Varsity team. He earned his first baseball letter his Senior season.  Stump played outfield, third and caught several games for PAC. He absolutely crushed a double to deep left center field in the game against the Huntsville Falcons this year at NACA.  Stump was a great dugout presence, encouraging his teammates at unusually high decibels.  He leaves as a one-year letterman and a two-time state champion.  Stump also helped his team finish second in the 2016 NACA Division #2 championships and win the 2017 NACA Division #2 championship against other homeschool teams from Ohio, New Jersey and Alabama.  Stump plans to attend Coastal Carolina in the Fall.

Matthew Derrick graduates with two years at the JV level and two at Varsity. Matthew played first, outfield and pitched for the Panther team.  Matthew won the pitching award in 2016 and also was named “All Conference” as a pitcher that same year.  Matthew hit .291 his Senior season and had 21 RBI’s.  He won two state championships, one NACA Division #2 championship (2017) and a second place finish in the NACA Division #2 championships (2016).  He is heading to Charleston Southern in the Fall.

John Edens played five years of PAC baseball two at the JV level and three at Varsity. John was a very versatile player playing outfield, first, catcher and pitcher (you don’t see very many left handed catchers but John not only did it, but he did it well).  He was instrumental in the Panther’s first state championship (2015), stroking a key double late in the game to give the Panther’s the lead.  He also helped the team win the 2016 and 2017 state championships. He started in right field during the Panther’s run to the 2015 NACA Division #3 title and at catcher in capturing the 2017 NACA Division #2 title.  He also helped the Panthers finish second in the 2016 NACA division #2 championships.  He was named to second team all-conference for his work in the outfield during 2016 and second team all-conference for his work behind the plate during 2017.  John intends to run a small business when he graduates.

Cal Hucks graduates after six years in PAC baseball; playing three years each at the JV and Varsity level. He played third, outfield, pitched and even caught in one or two games.  He was named the all-conference third baseman for 2016 and 2017.  He was named to the all-tournament team in 2017 at the state championships.  He leaves with three consecutive state championships, a Division #3 (2015) and Division #2 championship (2017) at NACA and a Division #2 runner-up finish in 2016.  He was named to the NACA all-tournament team in 2017.  Cal will be studying at Clemson in the fall.

Will Lawyer played two years at JV (he lost one additional year due to injury) and one at Varsity (again he lost one additional year due to injury). Will helped coach the JV team his Junior Season while he was rehabbing from a knee injury.  Will joined the varsity team late his Junior year and helped PAC win its second straight state championship.  Will played third, first and pitched for the Panthers.  He pitched a complete game victory in the 2017 NACA Division #2 championship game.  William plans to attend Limestone in the fall.

Parker Pocock played six seasons with Panthers baseball (three at JV at three at Varsity). Parker pitched some but was best known for patrolling the outfield. Parker reacted to the ball of the bat very well and could cover great stretches of the outfield and often hauled in fly balls that looked like they would have dropped in when they were first hit.  Parker was first team all-conference in 2016 and second team all-conference in 2017 for his work in center field.  He is a three-time state champion and helped win the 2017 Division #2 and the 2015 Division #3 championships at NACA.  He also contributed heavily to the 2016 Division #2 runner-up finish at NACA.  Parker will attend UNCC in the fall.

James Reed graduates after playing one year at JV and five years at Varsity. James was a very versatile player who pitched and played catcher, first, short, second and in the outfield.  He won the varsity silver slugger award in 2014 and 2017 and the varsity golden glove award in 2016.  James was the MVP of the 2015 homeschool state championship tournament and at the 2015 NACA Division #3 tournament.  He was also named to the all-tournament team at the 2016 and 2017 homeschool state championship.  He was first team all-conference for 2015 as a pitcher and a catcher and for 2016 as a first baseman.  He also was second team all-conference for his work at short in 2017 and was named to the all-tournament team at NACA in 2017.  He graduates owning several Panther varsity career records such as most hits (160), most RBI’s (103) and total bases (225).   He has the strikeout record, striking out 152 opposing batters on his way to twelve pitching victories.  He is a three-time state champion, a NACA Division #3 champion (2015) and a NACA Division #2 champion (2017).  He helped the team finish second at the 2016 NACA Division #2 championships.  James is undecided on where he will attend college but hopes to play baseball wherever he goes.

Jacob Robinson played four years of Panther baseball (two at JV and two at Varsity). Jacob played outfield and made several highlight reel catches during the 2017 season.  He leaves as a two-time state champion and as the 2017 NACA Division #2 champion.  He also helped the team to a second place finish in the 2016 NACA Division #2 championships.

Danny Waller also played six years of Panther baseball; playing four at the JV level and two at Varsity. He really came into his own in his Senior Year finishing with a 7-0 pitching record giving up only nine earned runs in over twenty-four innings while striking out twenty.  He also hit .460 for the year (third place all time for a batting average over one season).  Danny played outfield, second base and pitched for PAC in 2017.  He was named all-conference as a right fielder and was named as the most valuable player of the 2017 homeschool playoffs.  Danny was also named to the 2017 NACA all-tournament team and was named as the most valuable offensive player.  He won two state championships with PAC and won the 2017 NACA Division #2 championship.  He also helped the team to a second place finish at the 2016 NACA Division #2 championships.  Danny plans to attend USC in the fall.

The program also loses two Chaplains in 2017. Kim Pocock has served as a Varsity chaplain for two years.  Clint Lawyer has served as both a Junior Varsity and Varsity Chaplain.  Clint also wrote the team’s devotions in 2017, which were a study of Godly Character out of Psalms and is already working on the team’s 2018 devotions which will study Godly Character using the Gospel of John.  Both men spoke truth into the lives of each of players and served as Godly role models.  Both men set the example by serving the program in whatever capacity they were needed, usually jumping in to help without even being asked.  Their presence will be sorely missed.

NACA Tournament Finals (Division #2):                 Panthers – 7                       King’s Homeschool (NJ) – 2

Both King’s Homeschool (New Jersey) and Providence Athletic Club emerged from pool play at the National Association of Christian Athletes (NACA) Division #2 baseball championships in Dayton, Tennessee at 2-0. As both teams were assured of their place in the championship game and rain was quickly approaching, their pool play game was moved forward to Thursday night and re-made into the championship game.  To enable the two teams to play, NACA had to find a field as all the local fields were already taken.  They finally located a field in Chattanooga, approximately one hour away.  Both teams headed that way after evening chapel and the first pitch was finally made at 9:00 p.m.  Most of the Varsity Girls soccer team, who were playing in a tournament of their own, followed the baseball team and watched and cheered during the game even though it did not end until almost midnight and they had a game of their own on the next day.

The coin toss favored the Panthers for the first time in the tournament so they grabbed their gloves and headed out to their positions for the top of the first. The King’s lead-off batter drew a walk but was gunned down by the Panther catcher, John Edens, when he tried to steal second.  The King’s got two other runners on in the top of the first but were unable to push a run across the plate.  The Panthers came to bat and the Kings retired the first two batters without incident.  James Reed, the Panther shortstop, was walked and then Cal Hucks, the Panther third baseman, smashed a double to deep center field scoring James all the way from first.

The Kings got one runner one in the top of the second but were unable to do anything with it so the Panthers came to bat, leading 1-0. Matthew Derrick walked to begin the inning and promptly stole second base.  McKinley Proctor was hit by a pitch with one out putting Panther runners at first and second.  William Lawyer then walked to load the bases (Alex McKay came in the game as a courtesy runner for William who was the starting pitcher).  John Edens, the Panther catcher and leadoff hitter, singled to left center field to score Matthew.  McKinley rounded third on the play to aggressively and the Kings were able to get him in a rundown and tag him out.  Parker Pocock then tripled to deep right field, driving in both Alex and John.  James Reed continued the hitting parade by hitting a single to left field scoring Parker.  After two innings, the Panthers had a commanding 5-0 lead.

In the top of the third, the Kings threatened but could not score. Their first two batters singled putting runners on first and second.  The next batter grounded out to second advancing both runners one base.  The next King batter hit a hard line drive to the Panther shortstop, James Reed, who gloved it for the second out.  Neither runner was able to advance on the play.  William Lawyer then induced an inning ending groundout to James at short.  The Panthers were retired in order in their half of the frame.

The Kings finally broke through in the top of the fourth. Will got a quick ground out to begin the inning, but then walked two straight batters.  A hard grounder to James Reed at short was misplayed allowing the first run to score.  A single later in the inning plated the second run.  The Panthers were retired in order for the second straight inning making the score after four innings, Panthers 5, Kings 2.

The Kings got one batter one in the top of the fifth inning but were unable to score him. The Panthers got some much needed insurance in the bottom of the frame.  Parker Pocock singled for his second hit of the game.  James Reed flew out to center field for the first out of the inning bringing Cal Hucks to the plate.  On the third pitch of the at-bat, Cal drove the ball over the left center field fence to increase the Panther’s lead back to five runs.

Neither team scored in the sixth inning. The Kings came to bat in the top of the seventh trailing by five runs and down to their final at bat.  William was still on the mound for PAC and induced fly balls by the first two batters of the frame to the Panther left fielder (Proctor).  The Kings were down to their last chance and that chance evaporated when William struck out the final batter of the game and the Panthers were the Division #2 champions for 2017.

The Panthers had seven hits in the game. Cal Hucks had a double and a homerun and knocked in three RBI’s.  Parker Pocock tripled, singled, had two RBI’s and scored two runs.  Others with hits included John Edens, William Lawyer and James Reed.  The Panthers had eleven productive at bats falling three short of their goal of fourteen a game.

Will Lawyer started on the mound for the Panthers. He pitched a complete game, allowing two unearned runs on five hits.  He struck out seven and walked four.  He danced in and out of trouble all night but never gave in to the opposing batters.  It was a great effort in his final high school pitching performance.

Danny Waller, Cal Hucks and James Reed were named to the all-tournament team. Danny Waller received the most valuable offensive player award for the tournament and James Reed won the most valuable pitching award for his efforts against the Cincinnati Trailblazers in the first game.

The win ended the Panthers season with a 23-8 record. What a season they had.  They won their third state homeschool championship in a row and, as just noted, they won the NACA division #2 championship (several of the Seniors on this team also won the Division #3 championship in 2015).  They also tied the mark for most wins in a season.  Congratulations boys!

NACA Tournament (Division #2):              Panthers – 12                     Huntsville Falcons – 1

The Panthers took to the field again on Thursday morning against the Huntsville Falcons (Huntsville, Alabama). John Edens, assistant coach for the Panthers, noted that the Panthers were a loose, confident bunch and felt good about the day’s outcome.  Right before the game started, the PAC Varsity Girls soccer team came into the stands to help cheer on the baseball team.  Rumor has it, they even looked up the words to “Take me out to the ball game” so they could serenade the boys during the game.  They sang it well and kept up a steady stream of noise and encouragement until the game ended.

The game started slowly as both teams adjusted to each other’s pitching and the umpire’s strike zone. The Panthers, playing as the visiting team once more, scratched for two runs in the top of the third.  McKinley Proctor got the Panthers first hit of the game, slamming a double down the left field line.  He later scored on a double by John Edens.  John scored when Parker Pocock reached on an error by the Falcon shortstop.

The Panthers added to their lead in the top of the fourth inning by plating three more runs. Danny Waller and Matthew Derrick hit back to back singles, advancing to third and second respectively, when the right fielder bobbled Matthew’s hit.  Danny scored on a wild pitch with Matthew advancing to third.  McKinley reached on an error by the Falcons second baseman which also allowed Matthew to score.  Austin “Stump” Coates, hitting for Will Lawyer, then slammed a double to deep left field scoring McKinley all the way from first.  The Falcons threatened in the bottom of the frame getting the bases loaded with one out.  The Falcon leadoff hitter (Causey) came to the plate and smashed the ball, right back up the middle.  Panther hurler, Matthew Derrick, threw up a glove to protect himself, snaring the ball and then threw to third forcing the runner before he had a chance to return to the base.  After four innings, the score was 5-0 in the favor of the Panthers.

In the fifth inning, the Panthers went quietly. The Falcons soared across the plate for their lone run in the bottom of the frame.  They scored their run after two singles put a runner on third.  A fielder’s choice allowed the runner on third to score trimming the Panther’s lead to four.

The Panthers blew the game open in top of the sixth by scoring seven runs. The Panthers had six hits, all singles, in the onslaught.  Avery Blevins, McKinley, William Lawyer, John Edens, Cal Hucks and Danny Waller all had hits in the rally.  The Falcons went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning to end the game.

Danny Waller earned the win improving his record to 7-0 on the year. He allowed two hits through two innings.  He was removed by coach’s decision to save pitching for later in the week.  He was replaced by Matthew Derrick who gave up one hit in in two innings.  Dan Beam pitched the fifth inning giving up one earned run on two hits.  Will Lawyer pitched the final inning and did not allow any hits or base runners.

The Panthers had eleven hits in the game. John Edens led the way with a double and a single, scored two runs and had two RBI’s.  Danny Waller had two singles and scored also scored two runs.  McKinley and Stump both doubled.  McKinley also scored two runs.

The win improved the Panther’s record to 22-8 and to 2-0 in the NACA tournament. They advanced to the Division #2 championship game where they will face a homeschool team from New Jersey (Kings) on Thursday night.

NACA Tournament (Division #2): Panthers – 5    Cincinnati Trailblazers – 3

The Panthers opened up play in the 2017 NACA (National Association of Christian Athletes) baseball tournament in Dayton, Tennessee against the Cincinnati Trailblazers (OH). Playing at Bledsoe County High School, the two teams took to the diamond at 9:30 on a bright, sunny morning.

A coin flip determined the home team and the Panthers were designated as the visiting team and got to hit first. After a quick out, Parker Pocock reached on an error by the Trailblazer second baseman.  He advanced to second when James Reed drew a base on balls.  Cal Hucks slammed a double to left field, plating both runners, giving the Panthers an early 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the frame, James Reed, the Panthers starting hurler, set the Trailblazers down in order, striking out two.

Both teams were scoreless in the second inning and the Panthers were blanked in the top of the third, but the Trailblazers tied the game in the bottom of that frame. The Trailblazers drew a walk with one out and then the Trailblazer shortstop, Bacon, hit a long home run to left field.

The Panthers responded immediately, plating two runs in the top of the fourth inning. Cal Hucks singled with one out.  Danny Waller and Matthew Derrick hit back to back doubles.  Cal scored on an error by the Trailblazer shortstop and Danny scored on Matthew’s double.

The Panthers scored an insurance run in the top of the fifth inning. Parker Pocock walked and stole second base.  James Reed then hit a ball in the hole between third and short and the Trailblazer shortstop made a nice play on the ball but his throw sailed over the first baseman’s head, allowing Parker to round third and keep going, sliding in to home just ahead of the throw.

The Trailblazers scored a run in the bottom of the sixth inning to draw within two but the teams were playing by tournament rules which did not allow new innings to start after two hours so they game drew to a close after the Panthers secured the third out of the inning.

Six hits were collected by the Panthers during the game. Cal, Danny and Matthew had two hits each.  Cal and Matthew both had a single and a double.  Danny had two doubles.

James Reed (5-0) pitched five and two thirds innings. He allowed three runs, two earned, on two hits.  He walked three batters and struck out ten.  Will Lawyer finished the game on the mound drawing a 6-3 (shortstop to first) groundout to end the game.

The Panthers play again on Thursday morning against the Huntsville (AL) Falcons. The win improves the Panthers record to 21-8

State Championship Finals: Panthers – 4                               Savannah Hurricanes – 0

The Panthers advanced to their third straight state Home School baseball championship, besting the Low Country Wildcats by a score of 15-0 in one semi-final. The Savannah Hurricanes advanced by beating the Upstate Eagles in the other semi-final.  This was the third different team that PAC has faced in the finals (Anderson Cavaliers in 2015 and Upstate Eagles in 2016) as they were looking for their third straight championship.

Savannah was the visiting team so they got to try and dent the scoreboard first, and in hindsight, this was their best chance to score against the Panthers. Their leadoff hitter, Baker Collins, singled to right field and Austin Cobb followed with a single to left field putting runners at first and second with no outs.  Their next hitter flew out to center field and then James Reed, the Panther’s starting pitcher, struck out the next two hitters to close out the top of the first.  In the bottom of the first, James and Cal Hucks both singled but were stranded at third and second respectively.

Both teams went quietly in the second inning and the Hurricanes were retired in order in the top of the third inning; partially thanks to a leaping catch of a liner off of the bat of Baker Collins by Avery Blevins at second. In the bottom of the frame, the Panthers finally broke through.  William Lawyer was walked to begin the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch.  John Edens followed with a single between third and short.  The Hurricane third baseman made a great diving stop but his throw to first skipped by the first baseman and into the Panther dugout.  This allowed William to score and send John to second.  James Reed then doubled with one out to score John from second.  James scored on a single by Danny Waller and the Panthers led 3-0 after three innings.

Both teams were retired in order in the fourth inning and the Hurricanes had the same fate in the top of the fifth but the Panthers managed to add one to their lead in the bottom of that inning. James Reed had his third hit of the game and advanced to second on Cal Huck’s second single.  A third straight single, this one by Danny Waller, scored James from second extending the Panther’s lead to 4-0.

In the top of the sixth inning, the first two Hurricane batters grounded out to Avery Blevins at second base.  After Austin Cobb singled, Ryan Osako popped up to the Panther pitcher, James Reed, to end the top half of the inning.  At the break, the umpires held a conference and decided to end the game due to darkness.  The lights on the field where the championships were being held were struck by lightning earlier in the week and one whole bank of lights behind home plate had not yet been repaired and player safety was quickly becoming an issue.  And just like that, the Panthers were state champions for the third year in a row.

The Panthers outhit the Hurricanes eight to four. James Reed and three singles and scored twice.  Danny Waller had two hits with two RBI’s.  Cal Hucks also singled twice and John Edens had the other hit for PAC.

James Reed threw a complete game for the Panthers. He allowed four hits while striking out seven Hurricane batters.  He did not walk a batter in improving his record to 4-0.

James Reed and Cal Hucks were named players of the game and Danny Waller was named MVP of the tournament. The two victories improved the Panthers record to 20-8.

The Panthers leave for the National Association of Christian Athletes baseball tournament in Dayton, Tennessee on Tuesday to close out their season.

State Championship Semi-Finals: Panthers – 15                 Low Country Wildcats – 0

The Panthers ran away and hid in this game early and then tried to get as many players in the game as they could, in a game shortened to three innings. The Panthers scored four runs in the first, ten runs in the second and one in the third.

James Reed had three singles and three RBI’s. Danny Waller two hits, including a double, with one RBI.  Will Lawyer doubled and singled and knocked in three runs.  Others with hits include John Edens, Parker Pocock, Cal Hucks, Jacob Robinson and Avery Blevins.  The Panthers had 21 productive at bats.

Danny Waller got the win improving his record to 6-0. He allowed one hit and struck out three.

Danny Waller and Will Lawyer were named players of the game.

PAC ALL-SPORT PICNIC 
Cost: $2/person or $10/family 
Location: big shelter at Pine Island 
Address: 150 Pine Island Rd, Columbia SC
Date:Tuesday 30th of May. 
Time: 2:00-8:00 
Cookout: @5:30 
Senior Recognition: 6:00
 
Everyone needs to bring a two liter drink, side dish, and desert.  PAC will 
provide hamburgers and hotdogs and paper products. 
 
All will need to go to the sign up genius (link below) for us to track the 
number of expected guests. If that number nears 200 we will need to secure a 
second shelter. 
 
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4aaaab2aa75-pacpicnic1 
 
There is a note section in the sign up that should be used for people to 
indicate what they are bringing. 
 
We expect at least one parent to be in attendance with the kids. We have had 
problems with kids coming by themselves or being dropped off by a parent in the 
past. 
 
Attire: this is a picnic but we expect everyone to still be dressed 
appropriately.  
Girls: no shorty shorts or bellies showing, no bikinis (swim shirts can be worn 
over top) 
Boys: no low hanging shorts, shirts must be worn unless you are swimming 
 
There is so much for all to do if this is your first time coming out to Pine 
Island. 
There is a sandy beach area and lake access for swimming, a great play ground 
for younger siblings, a sand pit volleyball court, tennis courts, field for 
soccer, frizbee, etc, and baseball field.  You can also do nothing but bring a 
chair and sit at the side of the lake. 
 
This is a time to celebrate another great PAC sports 
year!

Panthers – 7       Ben Lippen – 10

The Panthers fell to the Ben Lippen Falcons on Friday night at Senior night at Ben Lippen. Ben Lippen did most of its damage early as the Panthers found themselves trailing 8-0 after two innings.  The big blow in the first inning was a grand slam by the Falcon left fielder (Garett Summers).  The Falcons took advantage of three Panther errors in the second inning to move out to almost an insurmountable lead.

The Panthers scored one run in the top of the fourth inning when Micah West walked and scored on an error by the Falcon left fielder. The Falcons got that run back in the bottom of the fifth inning when Will Taylor scored on a double by Robert Satcher.

The Panthers exploded back into the game in the top of the sixth when they scored six runs. Micah West led the inning off and was hit by a pitch to reach first base.  Parker Pocock singled to put runners on first and second.  Danny Waller then singled to left field to plate the first run of the inning.  Parker advanced to third on Danny’s hit and scored on a wild pitch. James Reed singled and Danny scored on the throw.  Cal Hucks doubled to put runners at second and third.  Matthew Derrick then singled to score James and the Falcons managed to get the first out of the inning when they threw out Cal at home on a bang, bang play.  Avery Blevins reached on a single and went to second on a wild pitch.  Both Matthew and Avery scored on a single by Will Lawyer.

The Falcons added another run in the bottom of the sixth inning and the Panthers were unable to mount a rally in the seventh so the game ended in the Falcon’s favor.

The Panthers actually outhit the Falcons by a 16-9 margin which is surprising since the Panthers are the team that walked away with the loss. Parker continued his recent surge at the plate slapping three singles and scoring one run.  James Reed had three hits and Danny Waller contributed two singles with both scoring one run.  Cal Hucks doubled and singled.  Matthew Derrick had two singles and a double.  Avery, McKinley Proctor and Will Lawyer all contributed singles with Will knocking in two runs.

The loss dropped the Panthers record to 18-8. They take to the diamond again next Saturday in Charleston at the SC homeschool state baseball championships.

Panthers – 4       Upstate Eagles – 2

Senior Night was a success as the program was able to honor its Seniors and their families on the field prior to the game. Led by its Seniors, the Panthers then went out and defeated the Upstate Eagles 4-2 and, afterwards, everyone came down on the field to eat ice cream sundaes and listen to beach music.

This Senior night was the first annual “beach night”. Fans of the Panther baseball program were encouraged to wear beach shirts and more than one beach ball was being batted around the stands while the game was in progress.  An impromptu game of volleyball also broke out in the outfield grass while everyone was enjoying their ice cream.

When the Panthers took the field for their warmups, they were all clad in beach shirts and it made quite a colorful scene. After warmups, the Panthers put on their jerseys and turned to the business at hand.  A record nine Seniors were in the field for the Panthers as the game began with Danny Waller on the mound.  Danny held the Eagles scoreless in the top of the first thanks to a nifty double play started by James Reed, who probably had his finest defensive game of the year.  The Panthers were also held scoreless in the first inning as Clayton Lancaster allowed two base runners, but stranded them at second and third.

Both teams were scoreless in the second inning and the Eagles did not score in the top of the third. The bottom of that frame was when the Panthers finally broke through.  John Edens led off with a single to left field and then stole second base.  Parker Pocock drew a walk and both runners advanced one base on James Reed’s long fly ball that was caught at the left field fence for the first out of the inning.  John had rounded third on the play and but had put on the brakes and was heading back to third when Parker came sliding in to the same base.  Parker realized his error and jumped to his feet to head back to second.  The Eagle catcher saw Parker heading back to second and threw that way to get him out.  Seeing the throw to second, John broke for home.  The Eagles let Parker reach second safely and threw home again to try and get John out.  The reached home ahead of John but the catcher dropped the ball allowing John to slide in safely.  Parker later scored on a wild pitch giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead after three.

The Panthers tacked on a single run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Will Lawyer led off with a double to deep right field.  Austin Coates laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt to advance Will to third.  Will scored when the pitcher did not come all the way set during his motion and the umpires called a balk scoring Will.

The Eagles clawed their way back into the game in the top of the fifth. Braden Lancaster led off with a single and he was sacrificed to second.  A walk and another single loaded the bases for the Eagles.  Ian Moore then singled to drive in two runs.  The batter tried to advance to second on the play but he was gunned down ending any further Eagle scoring chances.

The Panthers added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Jacob Robinson drew a walk with two outs.  He advanced to second on John’ second hit of the game and scored on Parker Pocock single.  The Eagles fought to the end getting hits to put runners at first and second to begin the 7^th inning, but three straight infield pop ups ended the game in the Panthers favor.

The Panthers banged out eight hits in the game. John Edens had three singles to lead the Panthers at the plate.  Parker reached base all four times he was at the plate with three walks and one hit.  Will Lawyer and Cal Hucks both doubled and James Reed and Austin Coates both singled. The Panthers had thirteen productive at bats in the game.

Danny Waller was the starting hurler for PAC. He pitched five innings allowing two earned runs on six hits.  He only struck out one batter while walking two.  Will Lawyer relieved Danny, pitching the final two innings.  He allowed two hits and walked one in earning the save.

As previously stated, the win improves the Panthers record to 18-7. This was the last home game for the Panthers during the 2017 season.  The Panthers close out the regular season against Ben Lippen on Thursday.  They then will practice until they take to the diamond in the 2017 state homeschool championships on May 5^th.