ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Panthers (0-16, 0-11 PBC) gave a great effort to push the game to nine innings, but the team fell short in an 11-3 loss to the Augusta (Ga.) Jaguars (9-10, 5-6 PBC), Saturday afternoon. After falling behind early, the Panthers were able to score late, but the team ended the day with the loss.
 
The loss came despite a solid overall game by the Panthers. As a team, the Panthers totaled seven hits in the game, including a double from senior catcher Michael Bailey. Senior designated hitter Rufus Hurdle, Jr. led the way, going two-for-three at the plate. Senior right fielder Eric Sledge added two runs batted in (RBI).
 
The Panthers got on the scoreboard early before adding a pair of late runs in the game. Sophomore shortstop Joshua Cooper hit and RBI single to score Bailey in the third inning. The Panthers also added a pair of eighth inning runs when Sledge hit an two RBI single that scored Duane Henderson, Jr. and Cooper.
 
Senior pitcher Charles Jackson (0-3) took the pitching loss. He started the game and he went five innings with four strikeouts. Fellow senior Trevonte Green and Jaden Hardin both came in for two innings of relief each.
 
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 0-16 overall and 0-11 in Peach Belt Conference (PBC) play. The two teams are scheduled for a single game tomorrow, but the schedule may be changed due to inclement weather.
 
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.