By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Panthers edge Rebels in seventh
04.12 liberty-echs baseball
With Effingham County’s Dylan Scott at the plate, Liberty County catcher Erik Mattingly blocks a pitch in the dirt. - photo by File photo

Henry Barrett delivered the game-winning hit, scoring Aaron Hoffer in the Liberty County Panthers’ 4-3 win against Effingham County on Tuesday.

With Hoffer on third base and his brother Skyler Hoffer on second base and no outs, the Rebels (10-7) elected to walk Justin Eaton to load the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Barrett, who already had two hits, then hit the ball down the right field line for the win.

The Rebels had rallied to tie the game at 3-3 with two runs in the top of the seventh.

In the win, the Panthers put on a defensive clinic.

The Panthers made several plays to back up a four-pitcher effort, which included Skyler Hoffer, Brad Harris, Eaton and Aaron Hoffer.

The clinic started in the first inning with a double play when pitcher Skyler Hoffer started a 1-4-3 double play.

In the fourth inning with the bases loaded and one out, catcher Erik Mattingly quickly recovered a wild pitch and threw to the pitcher Eaton at the plate to get the runner.

In the sixth, with runners on second and third, Skyler Hoffer saved a run in center field by catching a deep fly and hitting the cut-off man. Then, his brother Aaron fielded a grounder at the edge of the infield and threw to a stretching Paul Davis at first base to end the inning.

Aaron Hoffer also made some noise at the plate, hitting a three-run home run over the left-center field fence to give the Panthers a 3-1 lead in the third.

The lead stood until the seventh when the Rebels tied the game off Aaron Hoffer.

With two outs, Hoffer walked a batter and then gave up two doubles.

The Rebels had six hits and left seven runners on base, including five in scoring position. Zach Dotson was 2-for-3 with two doubles for Effingham.

The Panthers pounded 11 hits in the game. Mattingly, Aaron Hoffer and Skyler Hoffer each had two hits.
The Panthers left 10 runners on base, including seven in scoring position.