South Charlotte Panthers

Both SC Panther teams participated in the Appalachian State Showcase in Boone, NC. the weekend of May 31-June 1.

The 2010 team tasted defeat for the first time as they played up in grade level finishing 2-2 for the weekend.

SCP 2010

Game 1

SCP  7...............................................7.....12.....1

Prep Stars  4....................................4.......4.....2

Winning Pitcher: Andy Wilson (2-0)  6 IP; 4 R; 3 H; 3 K

Leading Hitters: Ty Linton 2-3 (HR); Mikal Hill 2-3 (2B); Alex Tomasovich 2-3.

Andy Wilson earns his second victory of the year. The Panther bats remain hot from week 1 with 12 hits including a Ty Linton homer.

Game 2

SCP  13..............................................13.....10.....1

Upstate Bombers  9...........................9......11.....2

Winning Pitcher: Peter Hendel (1-0)  3 IP; 2 R; 4 H; 5 K

Leading Hitters: Brian Holberton 3-3 (2/2B); Ty Linton 1-3 (HR); Josh Greene 2-3 (3B).

The Cats hang on after taking a 13-2 lead for a victory over the scrappy Bombers. Ty Linton leaves the park for the second game in a row. Brian Holberton was 3 for 3 with 2 doubles, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored then took the mound to help stop the Bomber come back.

Game 3 

SCP  3.....................................................3.....7.....1

Dirtbags  5.............................................5.....11....0

Losing Pitcher: Jake Watson (0-1)

Leading Hitters: Trey Laney 2-2; Brian Holberton 2-3.

The junior Panthers taste defeat at the hands of the strong Dirtbag 09 team which featured past 08 stars including winning pitcher Pratt Maynard. The Cats accounted for themselves well as starting pitcher Jesse Brewer (1-0) held the Dirtbags to three runs through 6 innings; striking out 5; before giving way to relief. Tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh the Bags hit a walk off to give the 2010s their first loss.

Game 4

SCP  2................................................2.....3.....0

Heat (2009)  9..................................9.....10.....0

Losing Pitcher: Ethan Ledbetter (1-1)  2 IP; 4 R.

Leading Hitters: Brett Austin 1-3 (2B); Andy Wilson 1-3 (2B).

The Panthers fell behind early and could not mount a comeback as the bats were silenced late Sunday.

The junior Cats next travel to Myrtle Beach, SC where they will participate in the Ripken 16U Tournament at the Ripken Baseball Complex.

The 2010 team will welcome Ryan Butler, Kurt Semeniuk, Logan Ratledge and Rafael Gonzalez to the roster this weekend following state play off participation.

 2009 SC PANTHERS

 Game 1

SCP   7....................................................7.....8.....0

Dirtbags (2009)  5...............................5.....6.....1

Winning Pitcher: Justin Setzer (2-0) 1.66 IP; 0 R; 0 H; 1 K

Leading Hitters: Tyler Tewell 2-2 (2B/2RBI); Richie Shaffer 2-4 (HR/3RBI).

The Cats fought back and then won going away as they stay unbeaten to the rival Dirtbag 09's. Justin Setzer earned his second victory in relief of starter Corey Roberts and Casey Gebhardt had a big RBI single to take the lead.

Game 2

SCP  9....................................................9.....9.....4

Canes - South  9...................................9.....9.....2

Leading Hitters: Richie Shaffer 2-2 (2B); Tyler Zupcic 2-2 (2B/3 RS); Matt Lee 2-3; Tyler Miller 2-4; Corey Roberts 1-3 (HR).

The Panthers lose a 5-1 lead late and hang on for a 9-9 tie versus the Canes. Tyler Tewell pitches out of a jam to hold the tie.

Game 3

SCP  5........................................................5.....7.....0

Maryland Select  2...................................2.....8.....1

Winning Pitcher: Luke Bard (1-1) 4.66 IP; 2 R; 7 H; 5 K.

Leading Hitters: Tyler Zupcic 2-2 (2RS); Seth Neely 1-2 (HR); Spencer Shuey 1-3 (2B).

The Cats prevail over a strong Maryland team behind solid pitching and good defense. Seth Neely hits his 3rd HR of the season deep over the LCF fence.

Game 4

SCP  4...............................................................4.....8.....1

Dugout  4..........................................................4.....5.....2

Leading Hitters: Richie Shaffer 2-3 (3 SB); Seth Neely 1-2 (3B).

A strong pitching performance from starter Joe Shealy went to waste when the Cats could not hold a 4-1 lead. Joe struck out 8 and gave up 3 hits in 4.33 IP.

The elder Panthers ended the weekend with 2 wins and 2 ties to take their season record to 5-1-2. The speedy Cats stole 17 bases for the weekend to add to their team total 26.

 The SC Panthers kicked off their summer 2008 season at the Charlotte Heat Showcase in Hickory, NC.

The 2010 Panthers completed the weekend 4-0. The team scored 33 runs off of 45 hits; including 8 triples, stole 14 bases and played solid defense with only 3 errors in their initial week of play.

GAME 1

SCP (2010)  8

HEAT (2011)  3

Winning Pitcher: Jesse Brewer (1-0)  6 IP; 2 R; 6 H; 5 K

Leading Hitters: Trey Laney 3-4; Trevor Hovis 2-2 (3B); Alex Tomasovich 2-4.

Brewer scattered 6 hits and the Panthers pound out 13 hits in their first game.

GAME 2

SCP (2010)  11

AVALANCHE  7

Winning Pitcher: Alex Tomasovich (1-0)  3.2 IP; 4 R; 2 K

Leading Hitters: Andy Wilson 3-4; Jake Watson 2-4 (2-2B); Alex Tomasovich 2-2.

Starting pitcher Trevor Hovis goes 2.1 and gives way to Tomasovich who hangs on for the victory.

GAME 3

SCP (2010)  11

HEAT (2010)  7

Winning Pitcher: Andy Wilson (1-0) 5 IP; 4 R; 6 H; 6 K

Leading Hitters: Ethan Ledbetter 2-4 (HR); Jake Watson 2-3 (3B); Mikal Hill 2-4 (3B).

The Panthers pound out 12 hits in an offensive battle with a hard hitting Heat team.

GAME 4

SCP (2010)  3

COUGARS  2

Winning Pitcher: Ethan Ledbetter (1-0) 5 IP; 1 H; 0 R; 6 K.  SAVE: Jake Watson (1).

Leading Hitters: Brian Holberton 3-3 (2-3B); Ty Linton 2-3.

The Panthers held on for a 3-2 win after going into the seventh up 3-0 versus the scrappy Cougars.

 Leading hitters for the weekend included Brian Holberton 7-14 with 5 RBIs; Ethan Ledbetter 5-11 with 7 Runs Scored; Jake Watson 5-12 with 3 extra base hits and Mikal Hill 5-14 with 2 triples.

Josh Greene had 3 Stolen Bases and scored 7 Runs.

The 2009 SC Panthers completed play 3-1.

GAME 1

SCP (2009)  11

ANGLERS  5

Winning Pitcher: Justin Setzer (1-0)  5 IP; 4 R; 4 H; 5 K

Leading Hitters: Spencer Shuey 3-3; Mat Batts 2-2; Tyler Miller 2-4; Seth Neely 1-2 (HR). 

The Panthers start the season banging out 11 hits and scoring 11.

GAME 2

 SCP (2009)  2

HEAT (2009)  1

Winning Pitcher: Mat Batts (1-0)  6 IP; 1 R; 5 H; 7 K.  SAVE: Joseph Shealy (1). 1 IP; 1H; 1 K.

Leading Hitters: Tyler Tewell 1-3 (2B); Alex Tomasovich 1-2 (GWRBI).

The Cats hang on for a close victory over the Heat.

GAME 3

SCP (2009)  5

Georgia Roadrunners  0

Winning Pitcher: Corey Roberts (1-0) 6 IP; 5 H; 6 K.

Leading Hitters: Ty Linton 3-4; Tyler Miller 2-3 (2B).

C Rob  and Joseph Shealy in relief shut out the talented Roadrunners from Georgia.

GAME 4

SCP (2009)  2

Proelific Power  8

Losing Pitcher: Luke Bard (0-1)  5 IP; 4 R; 5 H; 4 K

Leading Hitters: Seth Neely 1-2 (HR); Corey Roberts 1-2; Tyler Tewell 1-3 (2B).

The Panthers lose a late 2-1 lead and taste defeat 2-8.

Missing 7 players competing in the NC State Finals the Panthers put together a solid opening week play with a 3-1 record. Tyler Miller led the hitters going 6 for 13 followed by Mat Batts 4 for 8 and 2010 Ty Linton 4 for 6.

The Panther pitchers held the competition to 6 runs through 26 innings before giving way late in game 4.

UPDATE JUNE 2

Four SCP players returned home this past weekend from the NC State Championships and none with the big prize. Ardrey Kell (09 Alex Wood, 10 Ryan Butler and 11 Logan Ratledge) were defeated  two straight by Greenville Rose in the NC 4A Finals in close losses. East Rowan (09 Corbin Shive) lost game three in the best of three after winning game 2. All four underclassmen will be back with their respective teams next year in pursuit of the trophy. Congratulations and welcome to the SCP summer season underway.

SCP RYAN BUTLER (6-0) Pitched a complete game 3 hitter to help lead the Ardrey Kell Knights to a victory over Providence HS to take a 2 game sweep in the best of three series and win the NC 4A Western Regional. AK advances to the North Carolina 4A finals in the school's first year of competition with a senior class. Coach Hal Bagwell stated that "what Ryan did was incredible" in his praise for the sophomore starter. SCP LOGAN RATLEDGE collected two hits in the game to help stake Ryan to a lead. One of the three hits off of Ryan was from Providence freshman and SCP BRETT AUSTIN who launched a HR into deep RF early in the game. The Knights advance to the NC 4A Finals in only their second season to face Greenville Rose. SCP ALEX WOOD (6-0) will be a projected starter in one of the first two state final contest for the Knights.

SCP CORBIN SHIVE (11-1) and the East Rowan Mustangs defeated South Point 3-2 in the rubber game of their three game series for the NC 3A Western Region Championship and advance to the North Carolina 3A State Championship this week versus Rocky Mount. Corbin will be a projected starter in one of the games in the best of three series for the 3A crown.

In earlier action this week:

ALEX WOOD (6-0) pitched a complete game 5 hitter to beat Providence 5-2 in game one of the NC 4A Western Finals. Alex struck out 2 and worked out of a couple of jams to earn his sixth victory on the mound. Knights 2B LOGAN RATLEDGE layed down a perfect sacrifice bunt in the second inning to advance the first two runs into scoring position. Logan also hit a deep fly to CF and a single for a 1 for 2 night. Zico Pasut 3 for 4 and Johnny Eaker 2 for 4 led the Knights at the plate. KURT SEMENIUK (5-1) took the mound for the Panthers and pitched well in taking his first loss of the season. Kurt gave up 7 hits and struck out 2; giving up 5 runs with only 2 being earned. Providence SS RICHIE SHAFFER blasted his 8th HR of the season deep to RCF to cut the lead to 2-3 in the 4th inning. CF TYLER ZUPCIC 1 for 4 drove in a run; KURT SEMENIUK was 1 for 3 with a sharp single and 2B DREW CASELLA went 1 for 3; which added up to 4 of the 5 Providence hits.

CORBIN SHIVE (11-1) took his first loss of the season in an extra inning 0-1 loss to South Point. In the bottom of the eigth Corbin gave up a lead off double then with 2 outs the South Point hitter blooped a single to CF to drive in the winning run. For the night Corbin scattered 7 hits while striking out 8 and walking 2. The South Point starter pitched an eight inning no hitter for the win.

In fourth round action:

Providence knocked off state #1 ranked, national #5 ranked and defending NC 4A champion South Caldwell 10-4 in their fourth round match up. The Panthers have won four play off games in a row; all on the road to advance to the Western Region Finals.

After falling behind 0-3 the "never say die" Mohawk Panthers started scratching and clawing their way on base in the top of the fifth sprinkled by RBI hits from SCP KURT SEMENIUK and 08 SCP ERIC SEMENIUK driving in SCP DREW CASELLA. The Cats took a 6-3 lead before the inning was over and never looked back. Starting pitcher Will Helms pitched through 4 innings and earned the win which was saved by SCP RICHIE SHAFFER who threw the final three innings. Richie gave up a lone run and struck out out 6 of the final 9 outs to close the game. SCP TYLER ZUPCIC finished the night 2 for 3 with an RBI and effectively put a stake in the South Caldwell heart with a top of seventh straight steal of home for the tenth run. SCP BRETT AUSTIN had a big game with a double and a triple to help set up the two big scoring innings. SCP MATT LEE had another solid game behind the plate and control of any running game.

SCP C.A. CLAYTON had successfull surgery on his hand Wednesday and will be back in the dugout for the Panthers three game series this week to help cheer on his team.

Ardrey Kell hosted the state #2 ranked team and preseason favorite North Davidson Black Knights in their fourth round match up. The Purple Knights fell behind early 0-1 but like their play off motto of "Cockroaches - Do Not Die" fought their way back in the bottom of the second. AK strung together 4 hits ; including a sharp single from SCP LOGAN RATLEDGE and took a 2-1 lead. The roaches manufactured a run in the fifth and then another in the sixth; including a base on balls from Ratledge to take a 4-2 lead into the seventh. Knights ace Jordan Darnell worked out of a bases loaded jam in the top of seventh; giving up one run then getting the clean up hitter to pop up to third to end the game. Jordan had 10 strike outs and scattered 4 hits in the complete game win. SCP players ALEX WOOD and RYAN BUTLER will play a pivotal role on the mound in the upcoming best of three series versus Providence.

 East Rowan came back in the bottom of the seventh from a 0-4 deficit to win 5-4 versus conference rival and fourth round opponent Mooresville to advance to the NC 3A Western Region finals. SCP CORBIN SHIVE had a key hit in the comeback inning. The Mustangs will travel to South Point to begin the 3A Western Regional Finals on Thursday with Shive expected to start on the mound. 

  JOSEPH SHEALY (5-4): 2009 South Meck - Pitched a complete game 2 hitter in a 2-1 win over West Meck. Joe struck out 9 and walked 1 in the 100 pitch win. Joe was named the South Meck Sabres MOST VALUABLE PLAYER at their recent baseball banquet.

RYAN BUTLER (6-0): 2010 Ardrey Kell - Won his 5th varsity game without a loss in an 11-1 win over Mallard Creek. Ryan gave up 3 hits while striking out 6 in the first round win.

 RICHIE SHAFFER (6-2): 2009 Providence - Led the Providence Panthers to a first round win over West Forsyth. Throwing his heater in the 90 mph range Richie shut down West for a 6-1 complete game victory on the mound. In the third inning after singles by DREW CASELLA and TYLER ZUPCIC; Richie unloaded a three run HR to give himself all the run support he would need. The Panthers continued their play off run this week in an exciting third round win over Hopewell HS. Richie pitched a complete game victory; spreading out 3 hits; striking out 11 and walking 1 for his sixth win of the season. Shaffer filled the strike zone with 88-90 mph fastballs and used his hard breaking pitch effectively later in the game. TYLER ZUPCIC supplied the big hit on the night when he drove a triple to the RF wall to drive in the first run of the game in the top of the seventh and then scored the winning run on a passed ball.

Providence SS C.A. CLAYTON  will be out four to six weeks after taking a pitch to his hand and breaking two bones.

MAT BATTS (5-2): 2009 Mt. Tabor - Started on the mound and left the first round contest in the fifth with a 13-3 lead only to see it whither away before the Spartans hung on for a 13-12 victory.

LUKE BARD (9-2): 2009 Charlotte Christian - Earned his eigth victory of the year on the mound with a 5 hit win over CCDS in the CISAA Conference Tournament Championship. Along with SCP players JAKE WATSON and TY LINTON; Luke was recently named to the CISAA All Conference team as well as the NCISAA ALL STATE TEAM.

Luke earned his 9th win of the season in the NCISSAA semi final this week. The game was halted in the 5th with the Knights leading 4-2 due to rain and they came back the next day and hung on for a 4-3 victory sending Christian to the best of three finals.

ALEX WOOD (6-0): 2009 Ardrey Kell and Georgia commitment earned his fifth win of the year in the Knights 7-3 third round victory over North Meck. Alex gave up 3 runs in the first when he left a change up up in the zone but then shut the Vikings down while the offense fought back to tie and then take the lead for good. AK 2B 2011 LOGAN RATLEDGE helped lead the offensive come back with a single and run scored.

ALL SOUTH CAROLINA REGION 6

TYLER MILLER: 2009 Fort Mill; SETH NEELY: 2009 Rock Hill; JESSE BREWER: 2010 Rock Hill and JOSH GREENE: 2010 York were all named to the SC Region 6 All Region Team.

SETH NEELY was recently named Most Valuable Player and JESSE BREWER Most Valuable Pitcher for the Rcok Hill Bearcats.

SCP ALUMNI ARE MAKING AN IMPACT IN COLLEGE and the PROS

UPDATE OCTOBER 1

JOSH SALAY: SPARTANBURG METHODIST has committed to attend school and play baseball at the COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON following his sophomore season at Spartanburg Methodist. Josh will rejoin his old battery mate of many Panther games Kolby Epley pitching for the Cougars.

KYLE GREENWALT: Tri-City Valley Cats: was recently named Most Valuable Player for the Greenville Astros. As reported in the Minor League Baseball News Kyle established himself with the Astros this season as he appeared and started in a team high 13 games including being named the opening day starter. Kyle's six wins led the team and was tied for third in the league. Kyle pitched 71 innings; struck out 53 and walked only 15 batters. Greeny was rewarded for his consistent success with a promotion to the Tri-City Valley Cats on August 26th. Kyle has recently been recognized by Baseball America as "the" player to watch in the Houston Astros farm system.

 JUSTIN SCHUMER; UNC Asheville; was named Big South Conference Player of the Week in early May. In the 4 win week for the Bulldogs, Justin went 10 for 21 (.476) at the plate with 7 RBIs; 9 Runs Scored and 3 Doubles. To cap his week off Justin hit a walk off HR earning himself the Win on the mound following 4 innings of scoreless relief. Justin hit .326 for the season with 13 Doubles; 9 HRs and 50 RBIs in addition to 7 Saves and a win as the Bulldogs closer on the mound.

BYRON McKOY; Temple; has been named to the ATLANTIC 10 ALL CONFERENCE Second Team and to the Conference ALL FRESHMAN TEAM. In addition to those awards he was voted the Philadelphia BIG 5 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR and made the  ALL BIG 5 TEAM. Byron was  also named the Big 5 Player of the Week for two consecutive  weeks in April. He ended his season leading the Owls in hitting with a .352 Average including 11 Doubles; 6 HRs and 25 RBIs plus 17 Stolen Bases.  Byron's 64 hits on the season set a new Temple freshman record.

 PRESTON SHUEY; Francis Marion; Preston was voted the PEACH BELT CONFERENCE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR. Preston broke the Peach Belt record for RBIs by a freshman with 55. He had 23 multiple hit games and 15 multiple RBI games for the year. Preston hit 7 HR's; 14 doubles and finished the season with 55 RBIs and a .344 batting average. The Patriots placed second in the PB conference tournament and were nationally ranked all season yet missed out on the NCAA DII Regionals as an at large team.

WHIT MERRIFIELD; USC; has been named to the SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE ALL FRESHMAN TEAM. Whit led the SEC Conference and was Second in the NCAA Nationally in Sacrifice Bunts with 24. Whit was not only laying down bunts as he finished the season hitting .326 with 9 Doubles, 3 HRs, 25 RBIs, 11 Stolen Bases and 58 Runs Scored for the Gamecocks. He also led the team in multiple hit games with 27.

Francis Marion placed second in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament behind pitcher ERIK SOMMERVILLE. Erik had 11 starts and finished at the top of the statistics charts for the Patriots pitching staff in most categories. Big E ended the season with a 6-3 record and a 3.46 ERA with 54 Strike Outs in 65 Innings Pitched. Erik pitched the Patriots to a victory over #1 seed Columbus College in the Peach Belt Conference tournament for his sixth victory of the season.

HAMILTON BENNETT; Winthrop finished at the top of many of the pitching statistics for the Eagles. Hammy was a weekend starter all season and led the team in Innings Pitched 88; Strike Outs 78 and Starts 14. Hamilton pitched games against nationally ranked Rice, University of Southern California and Coastal Carolina in this his freshman season.

 COREY NORMAN; Surry CC ended his freshman season with a perfect 6-0 record on the mound for the Knights. Corey finished the year with a  2.85 ERA.

KOLBY EPLEY: College of Charleston was chosen to play in the Coastal Plains League College Wood Bat ALL STAR GAME. Kolby played for the Wilmington Sharks where he hit .290 and was the team's number one catcher.