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Hawks Punish Panthers

MARK PINSON/Highlands Today

SFCC sophomore Chaz Abeln takes a cut in Friday's game against Hillsborough.

By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

Published: March 30, 2009

TAMPA - After banging out 17 hits in losing to South Florida Community College on Friday night, Hillsborough Community College clubbed 17 more in Saturday's 12-9 win over the Panthers.

The Hawks jumped on top with six runs in the bottom of the first inning to take control of the Suncoast conference game.

South Florida, which dropped to 25-15, 6-8, closed within two runs on Jerry Neufang's three-run homer in the fourth inning, but Hillsborough answered with a five-run fifth.

"We gave up four hits and made two errors in the first inning and got behind early," said Panther coach Rick Hitt. "We battled hard to get back in the game and then we let it get away from us.

"Every team in this conference can swing the bats, but we need to do a better job on the mound."

South Florida refused to quit and scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to bring the tying run to the plate.

But Hillsborough's pitcher managed to retire the last Panther batter to seal the hard-fought win.

"We've given up 12 unearned runs the last three games and that forces our pitchers to throw more pitches," said Hitt. "Our mistakes are putting us in a compromising position and we can't continue to do that and win games in this conference.

"I've always believed that starting pitching sets the tone for the game and we just need for our pitchers to grind it out and keep us in the game."

South Florida is back on the diamond today when the Panthers host Hillsborough with the first pitch set for 6 p.m.

"This is spring break for us and after the game against Hillsborough, we have three days off," Hit said. "The break comes at a good time for the team and for me."

The Highlands Today sports staff can be reached at 863-386-5841 or sports@highlandstoday.com

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