INMAN, S.C. – For the entire 2021 season, the Chapman baseball team has played their home games at Mabry Park, where the original Panther Field resides. On Tuesday evening, another chapter was written on that field.
On this night, it was a late inning spark that powered the Panthers past the Clinton Red Devils by a final tally of 7-3, winning the Region III-3A championship. For Chapman, this marks their second region crown in as many full seasons and their 12th straight victory. With the score deadlocked at three entering the sixth inning, the Panthers led off with a trio of bunt singles from Devin Roe, Landon Solesbee, and Jarren Metcalf, respectively, to load the bases with none out. “We have tons of respect for Clinton,” Chapman head coach Steven Fusaro said. “I know Coach McCarthy from when they used to be in our region – his teams take on his personality and battle. It was a total team effort tonight and I’m so proud of our guys. Hats off to Clinton and the way they play the game.” Next up was senior Banks Atkins, who drilled a RBI single to left, which drove in Roe and gave Chapman the lead. Solesbee later came in to score on a wild pitch, Metcalf touched home on a passed ball, and Atkins scored on a Johann Rodriguez sacrifice bunt, giving the Panthers a four run advantage. “My teammates did a great job,” Atkins stated. “We had those three straight bunt singles where they couldn’t make a play, so I had no pressure coming up to bat. Every child dreams of being at bat with the bases loaded. The greatest part is seeing all the hard work that’s put in all year pay off and being able to win the region championship.” On the mound, junior Ricky Montalvo was tagged for three runs in the third inning, but responded well by keeping the Red Devils out of the hit column over the last four frames. “Honestly, I just wanted to do better for my team,” Montalvo remarked. “In the first couple of innings, I didn’t have my best stuff, but then I started focusing on my catcher (Rodriguez), who was up to bat, and where to locate the next pitch. I just needed to throw strikes and let them hit the ball because I know my defense is always behind me and has my back.” “It’s so fitting that we have (Banks and Ricky),” Fusaro added. “They’ve been dynamite on the mound for us and same thing at the plate. Banks has really come on at the plate and Ricky’s been hitting in the middle of the order all year. There’s no doubt in my mind that (Ricky) is Region Player of the Year.” “I think the last time we won a region title on this field was my sophomore year. This ain’t about me, though. It’s about these boys and it’s been unbelievable watching them play the game.” Chapman (17-6, 9-0 Region III-3A) will travel Clinton on Friday evening in Region III-3A play. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 PM. -Justin Mathis Comments are closed.
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