DEMOREST, Ga. - The Panthers opened up the 2022 season with a bang, scoring 14 runs on 22 hits as they defeated California Lutheran 14-2. 

In a neutral site game, where the Panthers were deemed the visitors they did not wait around to get the offense going. Cole Steadman, the third batter of the game hit a solo home run to give the Panthers early momentum and a 1-0 lead. 

The Panthers kept the offense rolling scoring in the next three innings. Over that stretch the Panthers scored 10 runs and added five extra base hits from, Wes Diamantis, Noah Best, Andrew Dutton, and Ian Hancock. 

Holding an 11-0 lead after four innings the Panthers did not let up. They scored three more runs. Andrew Dutton tripled in the sixth to bring home a run, Cole Steadman also brought home a run in the sixth on a double, and Jack Fleming caped off the scoring with a solo home run in the seventh. 

The Kingsmen of Cal Lutheran got a run in the eighth and ninth but would not muster any more offense as the BSC pitching staff kept them at bay all day. Tristan Harvin picked up his first win of the season after 5.2 innings, giving up no runs, and striking out five. 

Pitching decisions
WIN: Tristan Harvin (1-0)
LOSS: Alexander Rivas (1-1)

Records
#7 Birmingham Southern, 1-0 Overall, Cal Lutheran 4-1 Overall

News and notes
> Cole Steadman was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. 
> Six Panthers made their collegiate debut today. 
> This is the first time since the 2018 season that BSC has scored double digits on opening day. 

Up next
The Panthers will stay in Demorest, Ga. and play Piedmont University tomorrow, Feb. 12. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. central time.