The Quitman Panthers secured the playoffs for the first time in nine years after Monday night’s win at home field scoring 10-0 against Richland. The Panthers are 13-9 this season according to Head Coach Eric Johnson.
“This is the first time in a long time we’ve won consecutive district games and we haven’t had a winning season since 2007,” stated Johnson. “This year we’ve had more wins than the last four seasons combined. It’s a great testament that the players have bought into the process and trusting what we are teaching them.”
Patten Shirley led the Quitman Panthers to victory by driving in four runs. Shirley went 1-for-2 at the plate. Shirley drove in runs on a fielder’s choice in the fifth and a triple in the sixth.
In the first inning, the Panthers got their offense started. Camon Ivy hit into a fielder's choice, scoring one run.
Quitman put up five runs in the sixth inning. Patten and Austen Shirley all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.
One bright spot for the Richland Rangers was a single by Gannon Burney in the fourth inning.
Robinson toed the rubber for the Panthers. The righthander lasted six innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out nine.
Ben Bates was on the mound for the Rangers allowing four hits and 11 runs over five and a third innings, striking out four.
Robinson let the Panthers with two hits in three at bats. Quitman stole nine bases during the game as two players stole more than one. Braylon Peters led the way with three.
On March 26, the Panthers pulled off the win in the bottom of the 7th inning after trailing to win 6-5 over Northeast Lauderdale. This was also youth night. The Clarke County youth came out in their baseball uniforms or jerseys and took to the field with the Panthers for the National Anthem.
They pulled off another big victory on March 29 with a 6-1 win over Newton County. JC Robinson was the Player of the Game.
On April 2, the Panthers completed the sweep with a 12-7 win at Newton County. Camon Ivy was player of the game pitching seven complete innings.
Come out and support the Panthers at their next game in Richland Friday night.
