DUNCAN, S.C. – Following a tough series against rival Chesnee last week, Chapman aimed to complete a two-week stretch of non-region games with a strong finish against the Byrnes Rebels.
A superb performance on the mound by a senior helped power the Panthers past Byrnes 10-0 in six innings on Tuesday evening to deal the Rebels (11-1) their first loss of the season. Right-hander Banks Atkins set the tone early on by sitting down four of the first seven Rebels he faced on strikes. That also included striking out the side in order in the second inning. Atkins tossed a gem, holding Byrnes to just two hits on the night while tallying nine strikeouts. “(It was a credit to) the whole team,” Atkins was quick to point out. “We went through a learning experience last week and it helped prepare us for this game tonight. It was just a fun time out there for me. I’ve been away (from baseball) for two years. To be able to get back out here, go at them every pitch, and hit spots was fun.” “I have goosebumps thinking about Banks and how important he’s been to our baseball team,” Fusaro said, pointing to his arm. “Honestly, I counted last week (at Chesnee last Tuesday) on us. We probably left him in there for two batters too long because we wanted something good to happen for him & he deserves that. Tonight, it was nice to see him come back and finish the deal.” Chapman drew first blood in the second when Gavin Humphries laid a bunt single down the third base side, scoring Ricky Montalvo. The Panthers broke the game open in the fourth inning, where they sent 11 up to bat and plated six runs. In the midst of that flurry, Cason Owens and Drew Settle each drove in a run on sacrifice flies. Banks Atkins and Jarren Metcalf knocked in one run apiece, while Jacob Murray drilled a single to center, driving in two more, making it a 7-0 advantage at that juncture of the contest. This makes the second victory this week for the Panthers, following a road win at Blacksburg on Monday. Chapman (7-6) will have a break until Monday evening, when they host Blacksburg on Senior Night at Mabry Park. Game time is set for 7:30 PM, with the Senior Night ceremony taking place prior to the contest. -Justin Mathis Comments are closed.
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