MOUNT BERRY, Ga. – The Panther baseball team made its 2013 season debut Tuesday. Taking on the Berry Vikings, LaGrange got behind early, and despite solid relief pitching, dropped the outing, 5-1, at William R. Bowdoin Field.

Kenneth Strack (0-1) started for the Panthers. He went 2-1/3 innings, allowing five runs; two earned and five hits.

LaGrange got outstanding relief pitching in the game. Drew Williams relieved Strack and threw 3-2/3 innings of shutout relief. Robby Williams closed out the game for the Panther with two more scoreless innings.

The Panthers threatened in the top of the first. Josh Shiver struck out to lead off but reached on a passed ball. Jim Reed reached on an error and Cody Muren's bunt single loaded the bases.

Montgomery got out of the jam by striking out Brent Kinsey and Brandon Key before getting Jon Brockto pop out to third for the final out. Montgomery retired 11 straight Panthers before Brock beat out an infield single with two outs in the fourth.

The Vikings got a two-out RBI double in the first from Zach Farmer and unearned run in the second inning to go up 2-0. They padded their lead with three runs in the third to make it 5-0.

The Panthers pushed across a run in the sixth inning off reliever Danny Parry. Kinsey singled with one out and moved over to third on a fielder's choice and a throwing error. Linwood Roberds beat out a grounder to third as Kinsey scored to make it 5-1.

The Panthers had six hits in the game. Brock and Roberds had two hits each.

The Panthers open their home and USA South schedule Friday against Methodist at Williamson Stadium at Cleaveland Field beginning at 6 p.m. The two teams play Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.