BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - LaGrange and Birmingham-Southern locked up in a 10-inning pitcher's duel in the 2014 season opener for both teams Friday at Striplin Field.
The host Panthers pushed across the game's only run in the bottom of the 10th inning for a 1-0 win over the visiting Panthers.
"We pitched and played defense great," said David Kelton, who was making his head coaching debut. "Offensively, we just could not get the big hit we needed. We had chances, but just did not get the job done."
Zach Tatham was outstanding in his first start on the mound for the Panthers. Tatham allowed only one hit in five shutout innings, did not walk a batter and struck out three.
Birmingham's Blake Stevens matched Tatham, pitching seven scoreless innings and struck out nine.
Chris Laye got the Panthers' first hit of the season with a one-out single in the second inning. He stole second but was stranded as Stevens worked out of the jam.
The Panthers threatened in the top of the 10th. Keith Sims reached on an error but was thrown out attempting to steal second. Cain Sauls and Kyle Nerbonne followed with back-to-back base hits off reliever Miles Nordgren.
But Nordgren got out of the inning by getting Laye to hit into a fielder's choice and Casey Bell to ground out.
Jacob Mayfield led off the bottom of the 10th for Birmingham with a double off Cole Anderson, who came on after Tatham left the game after the fifth inning.
Anderson intentionally walked the next two batters to load the bases. Matt Brown ended the game with a base hit to left field to score Mayfield.
Anderson allowed the one run in four innings of work. He gave up two hits, walked four and struck out three.
The two teams meet in a doubleheader Sunday at Cleaveland Field at Williamson Stadium. The first game is at 2 p.m. followed by the second game.
