Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Augusta, Ga.—Kentucky State University baseball came up short in both games of a doubleheader with Paine College on Saturday to open up SIAC play.

The Thorobreds (6-20, 0-2) had stellar pitching performances by senior Josh Dunn (3-3) and junior Chae Butler (0-4). Dunn pitched his fourth complete game of the season, while Butler had his longest outing of the season going six and a third innings.

"We lost two well-played games against a veteran team on the road today," said head coach Rob Henry. "Josh (Dunn) and Chae (Butler) were both excellent on the mound, but so were their pitchers.  We'll get our share of wins this season if we stay focused and committed like we were today."

KSU will look for its first conference win tomorrow against PC in the final game of the three-games series; first pitch is scheduled for noon.

Game 1: PC 4 KSU 3

KSU came out of the gate with an early advantage, as junior shortstop Justin Stinson lined a ball down the left field for his fifth double of the season. Stinson advanced to third on a throwing error and later scored on a RBI ground out by senior third baseman Brandon Story putting KSU up 1-0.

PC tied the game up in the bottom half of the inning, and later took a 3-2 lead in the fourth. Dunn worked his way through the Panthers' lineup striking out five over seven innings, while allowing four runs, three earned on the day.

Story continued to be a producer from the three spot of the KSU lineup, driving in junior center fielder Elijah Collins on a single to center in the top of the sixth for his second RBI on the afternoon, tying the game up at 3-3.

The Panthers took their third and final lead in the bottom half of the inning as Jahziel Morel homered to left field, and PC held on for the 4-3 win.

Game 2: PC 1 KSU 0

For only the second time this season the KSU offense was held scoreless, the previous time came on Mar. 2 to NCAA Division I opponent Murray State University.

Both squads failed to give the other a scare till the fourth when the Thorobreds tested the Panther defense. With runners on first and second, and no outs, junior catcher Greg Alexander singled to left field, Stinson rounded third looking to put KSU on the board. Stinson was thrown out on the play, ending the Thorobreds' threat, keeping the score tied at 0-0.

Paine aimed to capitalize in the fifth, but Butler quickly shut the door on the Panthers' efforts. With a runner standing on third and no outs, the Chattanooga, Tennessee native struck out two and allowed a fly ball out to right field to end the inning.

Sophomore left fielder Cameron Starks led off the seventh inning for KSU as he knocked his fifth double of the season, and later advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by junior first baseman Artie Santomo. Starks attempted a steal of home but was thrown out to end the Thorobreds final scoring attempt.

After recording the first out of the seventh inning, Butler and freshman pitcher Matthew Oxford allowed three straight walks, followed by a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring the lone run of the game for a 1-0 PC victory.