BIRMINGHAM, AL - The Claflin Panthers (0-1) got the 2026 season started with an 8-2 loss to the Clark Atlanta Panthers (1-0) at the 2026 Willie Mays Invitational, Friday afternoon. The Panthers had a solid hitting day, but the team could not get the runs they needed across the plate in the tough loss.
 
As a team, the Panthers were solid at the plate. The team combined for five hits in the game. Claflin senior third base Anthony Hardy led the way, going two-for-three with a double and two runs batted in (RBI). Freshman catcher L.J. Johnson and designated hitter Michael Morales both added hits of their own.
 
Claflin redshirt-freshman Wylan Sheffield (0-1) took the pitching loss. He started the game and he went four of the six innings played. He recorded four strikeouts in the game. Sophomore Isaiah Mitchell threw two innings of relief with two strikeouts of his own.  
 
With the loss, the Panthers will return to action, Sunday, when the team takes on the Stillman College Tigers, followed by a game against Philander Smith on Sunday. 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.