ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Baseball) – The Paine College baseball team took to the diamond on Sunday afternoon to close out their series with Claflin University. The Lions fought hard but were defeated by the Panther, 16-4.

With the loss, Paine drops to 20-16, overall, and 9-5 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference play. Claflin moves to 17-23, overall, and 10-5 in league play.

The Lions jumped out to 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The first run came in when Jalen Horton was driven in by Kendrick Elder, 1-0. Horton bunted to reach first base and stole second base. Elder crossed home plate when Jahziel Morel grounded out, 2-0. Elder singled to reach first base, advanced to second on an error, and advanced to third when Fentress Henderson hit a single. Henderson scored the third run on an error, 3-0. Henderson singled to reach first base, stole second base, and advanced to third base when Morel grounded out.

Claflin answered back with five runs in the first inning, three runs in the second inning, one run in the third inning, and two runs in the sixth inning. The
Panthers scoring run set the score at 11-3 to begin the seventh inning.

Paine scored its final run in the seventh inning. Morel hit a single to score Elder, 11-4. Elder reached first base with a single, advanced to second on an error, and reached third base on a fielder's choice.

The Panthers closed the game out by scoring five runs in the eighth inning, 16-4.

Quentin Alsbrook took the loss on the mound for the Lions. Alsbrook pitched for two hits, seven runs, five walks, and one strikeout.

Jamal Devin picked up the win for Claflin with six innings pitched. He finished the game with six hit, three runs, two walks, and three strikeouts.

Paine will take to the field again as they return to Lions Field for Senior Day against Morris College on Thursday, March 14 at 1 p.m.