NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Claflin Panthers (1-0) opened the 2025 season with a bang when the team took an 8-5 win over the Dillard Bleu Devils (0-1) at the 2025 HBCU Battle of Division Invitational, Friday afternoon. The Panthers combined a strong start with some lockdown defense to claim their first win of the season.
 
As a team, the Panthers had a solid day at the plate. The team combined for eight hits and eight runs in the game with seven runs batted in (RBI). Claflin sophomore first base Thomas Williams led the way for the team with a home run and two RBI. Junior right field Albert Rutledge added a two-for-four batting effort with two runs scored and a walk. Senior pitcher D.J. Mugenast added a two-for-three batting effort with a runs scored.
 
Mungenast (1-0) also took the pitching win. He started the game and threw five full innings. He finished the game with just two hits and three earned runs allowed. He also added five strikeouts in 23 batters faced. Freshman Daniel Brown came in for four innings and he allowed two earned runs on four hits and two strikeouts.
 
With the win, the Panthers open the 2025 season with a 1-0 record. The team will return to action, tomorrow when they face the Xavier University of Louisiana Golden Nuggets.
 
For more information on Panthers baseball, contact the Claflin University of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.