South Charlotte Panthers

The 2007 and 2009 Panthers capped off their summer schedule with a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico where the combined team played 4 exhibition games in addition to having some fun and relaxation in the Caribbean sun.

The team enjoyed making many new friends as they experienced the culture of the country and the Puerto Ricans passion for baseball. Games were played in Cayguas; home of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and in Vega Alta which is home to the 18U National Champion Bayamon Tigers. The Panthers had the upper hand in a 9 inning victory over Cayguas 15-2 and fell to Bayamon 1-2; 5-7 and 1-2 in three very well played games. Steven Neff (2) and Stephen Andrews both hit HRs while Whit Merrifield was robbed of a homer by a tree inside the fence in center field. Alex Wood picked up the win in his first start since coming off of the disabled list and Hamilton Bennett held the strong Bayamon team featuring 4 NCAA D1 signees to one run in 5 innings of work. Preston Shuey pitched the final inning of the last game and brought out the EPHUS pitch much to the delight of Panthers and Puerto Ricans alike. Kolby Epley, Skip Hutchins and Byron McKoy all collected hits in their last at bats in a Panther uniform as the 2007  players move on to the next stage of their lives in college.

The Panthers returned home to a couple of weeks off before gearing up for the 2007 Fall Season where the 2008/2009 team will play a full schedule of showcase and tournament events.