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Panthers claw the Cavaliers 4-1
ByronCalahan
Byron Calahan keeps his foot on the base as he reaches for a low throw and gets the out at first. - photo by By Patty Leon / Coastal Courier
The Panthers opened the first inning with a home run by Aaron Hoffer and a tough defensive game that gave them a 4-1 edge over the Calvary Day Cavaliers Monday night.
The Cavaliers answered that first run  with on in the first, but Justin Eaton was strong at the mound, eventually taking the win. Skyler Hoffer pitched the seventh inning and was credited with the save.
The Panthers added to their score when Henry Barrett hit a double in the bottom of the second and Cody French hit a single driving Barrett home for a 2-1 lead.
The defense for the Panthers kicked into gear in the third with a quick out at first base, followed by a double play on second and first.
They ended the third inning with another run and a 3-1 advantage.
Paul Davis took the mound in the fifth and the Cavaliers attempted a late rally when they loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth inning. But the Panthers hit another double play, getting runners out at home and at first base, denying the Cavaliers any points on the board.
Barrett came in for another score in the bottom of the sixth, making it 4-1 Panthers' favor.
The Panthers have one more home game -- against Statesboro Friday -- before they travel to Burke on March 21 to face their first regional opponent Burke County.
Initially they had four games to prepare their final rotation and make sure everything was in place before facing Burke. Mother Nature however, forced the cancellation of the Liberty County Classic last weekend. Monday's game against Calvary was not on the original schedule but allowed the Panthers an extra non-regional game to put the final touches on their game plan.
The Burke County Bears are currently 3-2 in 3S-AAA while the Panthers are 3-1.
Friday's game against Statesboro is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.

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