HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover Panthers (6-9 overall, 0-1 HCAC) dropped a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference heart breaker to the Lions of Mount St. Joseph on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Lions jumped on the board in the top of the first inning using an RBI single to claim the 1-0 lead.
 
They extended the difference in the top of the third inning after loading the bases and getting a two RBI single to center field, 3-0.
 
With the wind in their favor, MSJ was able to add to their lead using a homerun in the top of the fifth pushing the lead to 4-0.
 
However, the Panther offense found a spark in the bottom of the fifth inning with sophomore Reid Douglas (Rossville, Ind.) bringing the energy using a bomb to left center field scoring two Panther runs, 4-2.  
 
MSJ added one more run in the top of the fifth inning before Hanover was able to knot the contest in the bottom of the seventh inning.
 
Leading the charge was sophomore Sam Perkins (Louisville, Ky.) as he connected for a key RBI single that scored both senior Spencer Martinelle (Indianapolis, Ind.) and junior Gabe Gowens (Lanesville, Ind.), 5-5.
 
But MSJ refused to be tamed reclaiming the 6-5 advantage in the top of the eighth inning to capture the game one win.
 
Hanover returns to action on Sunday, March 26 when they wrap up their three-game series with the Lions of MSJ. First pitch is slated for 12:00 PM.