Liberty County High School’s baseball team took a ride to Baxley on Monday for a non-region game. The home team took a 15-7 win over the visiting Panthers.

According to Panther baseball coach David Samuel, pitcher Chris Rafferty took the loss.

He pitched three and two-thirds solid innings, the coach said, but was relieved by Eddie Chipple for the remainder of the game.

Cody French was two of three with a double. Matt Desbiens was two of three with 2 RBIs. Javaughn Shuman was two of four with 1 RBI. Dylan Connelly had a double and 2 RBIs, and Austin Schultz, Mike Lovelady and Robbie Sauls added base hits.

While the loss disappointed the team, the coach said his squad is focused on preparations for Friday’s home game against Richmond Hill.

A win against the Wildcats would boost the Liberty boys’ chances of moving up from fourth place to third or better in Region 3-AAA.

The boys beat the Wildcats 5-1 in their first match March 27, but with the playoffs looming, Samuel knows his team needs to be ready for an improved Wildcats game.

"Friday’s game means everything for our season right now," he said.