Owensboro, Ky. – The Southwest Baptist University (SBU) Bearcats baseball team finished game one of their three game series against the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers on Friday. SBU ultimately fell 1-8, pushing their record to 2-5 in the early stages of the season.
 
The Panthers started the game hot, batting in runs in each of the first five innings, including scoring four in the bottom of the third, putting them ahead 0-8. This lead would prove to withstand until the game's conclusion, as the Bearcats were only able to make a one run dent in Kentucky Wesleyan's lead in the top of the ninth when senior Scott Allan singled up the middle, sending senior Lane Snow home.
 
Despite the loss, senior Roberto Garcia put in a stellar pitching performance after he relieved junior Ryne Kaiser in the third inning. Garcia only allowed two of the Panthers' runs, throwing seven strikeouts and three walks in the process. Freshman Reese Ruderman had a solid day at the plate, recording two singles in his three at bats.
 
SBU baseball will continue their series against the Panthers Saturday, February 21, in a double header. The first game is set to start at 12:00 p.m. with the second game to follow immediately after.