TRAVELERS REST, S.C. – For the second time in 24 hours, the Chapman Panthers hit the diamond, this time in a Region 3-3A matchup on the road against Travelers Rest. Key contributions at the plate and a stellar relief appearance powered Chapman to a 10-4 victory over the Devildogs, securing a second place finish in the region.
Right-hander Lawson Harris took the mound midway through the contest and did yeoman’s work for the Panthers, scattering five hits and tossing four scoreless innings out of the bullpen. “I know (Lawson) can start and I know that he wants to start,” said Chapman head coach Steven Fusaro. “Lawson has been in games as a reliever more than any player on our team this year. He has really fit into that role because of his mental toughness. We’re so fortunate to have Lawson as part of our team. It was big for him to throw those four innings and essentially hold (Travelers Rest) there.” Entering the third inning with a one run lead, Kole Brown launched a solo home run to left for a 3-1 Chapman advantage. Later in the inning, Jack Settle recorded a two-RBI base hit that scored Johann Rodriguez and Wesley Shipman for a five run Panther lead. Later in the sixth, Chapman scored three more runs as Rodriguez smacked a two-RBI triple to the right-centerfield wall that drove in Brown and Devin Roe. Harris put down an RBI sacrifice bunt along the first base side to plate Rodriguez and make it a 10-4 lead for the Panthers. “We need some guys to come up in huge situations,” stated Fusaro. “Jack hit a huge two out, two-RBI single that gave us a little bit of a cushion. K.B. (Kole Brown) is still working to figure it out at the varsity level, but he is a lot of fun to watch play. Johann has been doing this for four years now. He's been competing at a high level and is starting to get his swagger and confidence back in the box. We have a lot of guys in this lineup that can swing the bat, but we just need guys to be able to handle pressure situations. Those three came up clutch in those situations tonight.” Brown finished the night 2-for-3 at the plate with three runs scored, while Rodriguez also notched a pair of hits. “This is a group that can be really, really good,” Fusaro added. “We were able to execute from the middle innings on and get the win, which is nice. I’m really excited for the opportunity to practice tomorrow – the only day we can this week – to be able to clean up some things and get ready to go.” Chapman (14-7, 7-2 Region) will close out the week with a two-game homestand, beginning on Thursday in non-region action against Woodruff. Game time is slated for 6:30 PM. SOFTBALL: Chapman 22, Travelers Rest 1 The Lady Panthers looked to continue their winning ways in Region 3-3A play on Tuesday against the Devildogs and did just that, pulling away for the victory in five innings. Right-hander Reagan Garrett took the circle for Chapman and kept the Devildog lineup in check, limiting them to an unearned run on three hits while striking out six batters in four innings of work. Autumn Fisher and Abby Gossett each tallied a game-high three hits and four runs batted in, while Krislyn Wilder crossed home plate four times, notching two hits (one double) and two walks. Sarah Byrd picked up a pair of hits (two triples) and two RBI in three at-bats, while Garrett added two hits and three RBI. Sophie Whitley also finished with two hits and two runs driven in. As a team, the Panthers compiled 11 extra-base hits (four doubles, three triples, and four home runs). Chapman (13-4, 6-0 Region) faces a quick turnaround as they host Blue Ridge on Wednesday at 6 PM. Comments are closed.
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