Maxwell generated some momentum ahead of the Northern Section CIF Division VII playoffs as it rounded out the regular season with wins over Hamilton City on May 2 and May 5.
In Hamilton City for the first game of the series, the score was tied 2-2 after three innings, but the Panthers put a total of seven runs on the board, in the final two frames, to come away with the 9-2 victory.
Melvin Martinez went the first two innings on the hill,without conceding a hit and striking out four before giving way to Walter Avery, who struck out seven in five innings of relief.
Massey Baker led Maxwell at the plate, going 3 for 3 with three doubles and two RBI. Brody Jones also had three hits, while Noel Velasquez knocked in a pair of runs as part of a 2 for 4 day.
Maxwell completed the season sweep of the Braves last Friday, posting a 4-2 win at home, although no statistics were available.
With the two wins, the Panthers (7-12, 5-3) are the Mid-Valley League’s third place team and received their playoff fate on Wednesday.
Maxwell, the reigning Division VII champion, was third behind Greenville and Hayfork in playoff points going into the seeding meetings, however, the Panthers’ strength of schedule exceeds that of the Indians and Timberjacks, which bodes well as they begin their title defense. ■
