The Panther baseball squad traveled to Baton Rouge, La., this past weekend to face off with Southern University Tigers. The Panthers (18-10, 11-1) were on a six game win streak prior to facing the Tigers, but a loss to Sam Houston State slowed their momentum. The Tigers (15-12, 11-3), got off to a great start this season but ended up on a five game skid before meeting up with the Panthers.
The Panthers lost the first game 3-10, as the Tigers dominated and they scored three runs in three different innings.
The first game proved to be a warm up as Prairie View proved why they sit atop the SWAC conference by drowning Southern in the next two games 11-10, and 6-3. In the second game Southern jumped out to head start by scoring two runs in the first inning, leaving the Panthers trailing 2-0. Prairie View remained scoreless until their domination of the sixth inning. The Panthers scored nine runs in that one inning, which gave them a 9-8 lead going into the seventh inning.
Everything was put on the line in the top of the seventh as the Panthers began to stretch the scoring gap, expanding to a 3 point lead, scoring two runs before allowing Southern a comeback. In the bottom of the seventh Southern pulled out all stops, but was cut short at two runs, giving the Panthers a 11-10 victory.
Prairie View would also take the third game 6-3, getting the best of the Tigers 2-1 in the two-day series.
The Panthers’ defense has led them to the top of the conference. They currently rank top five in 13 defensive statistical categories in the SWAC. Senior Michael Richard currently ranks atop the conference in batting average (.441), assists (76) and hits (41), not to mention that he has been walked 41 times, which is the most in the conference.
The pitching duo of Matthew Chase and Wrandal Taylor sit comfortably, ranked at first and second in numerous pitching categories including the most important wins.
Junior Paul Johnson also leads the conference in fielding percentage (1.000).
The Panthers prepare for another SWAC foe, Arkansas Pine Bluff. This should be an easy win for the Panthers being that the Golden Lions (3-14, 2-9) currently rank last in SWAC-western division.
The two-day, two game header will begin March 31 at 1 p.m. The second game will be played April 1 at 1 p.m.