MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Huntingdon topped LaGrange 5-4 in a non-conference game Wednesday at Posey Field. The loss dropped LC to 5-3, while Huntingdon evened its record at 5-5.
The Panthers were held to six hits, and just two over the final six innings by five Hawk relievers. McKinley Erves hit his third home run of the season and E.J. Churchich had a run-scoring triple. Rhett Hebert reached safely in all four of his at-bats with two hits and two walks.
Baley Coleman (2-1) went the first four innings on the mound for LC. He allowed five runs, only two were earned; six hits, a walk and two strikeouts. Jack Richards threw four perfect innings, retiring all 12 batters he faced and striking four.
The Panthers scored twice in the top of the first. Erves' home run with one out gave LC a quick 1-0 lead. Joe Ruth reached on an error and Churchich tripled with two outs for a 2-0 lead. Huntingdon came back in its half of the first with three runs, aided by two Panther errors.
LC retook the lead in the third. Ruth reached on an infield hit to start the inning. Jack Layrisson doubled to center as Ruth stopped at third. With one out, Trey Pearce reached on an error, allowing both runners to score to make it 4-3.
Huntingdon tied it with a run in the third. The Hawks got another unearned run in the fourth to go up to stay, 5-4.
The Panthers are off until March 20 when they host Emory at Cleaveland Field in Williamson Stadium in a doubleheader.
For continuing coverage of Panther athletics, stay up to date with our website and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.