MACON, Ga. – Charlie Marion drove in three runs including the go-ahead two-run single in the fifth as the Milwaukee Panthers won their 2025 opener by a 6-3 win over host Mercer on Friday evening.
 
Gavin Theis earned the win as he went the first 5 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and Matthew Mueller finished off the game with a 3 2/3 inning save as he struck out six in his Panther debut.
 
"I was really proud of our team tonight," commented head coach Shaun Wegner. "The energy in the dugout was palpable all game."
 
Milwaukee jumped out to an early lead as Justin Hausser and Tyler Bickers reached on back-to-back singles ahead of a run-scoring double off the bat of Marion.
 
Mercer responded with a run to tie the score in the bottom of the first and took a 2-1 advantage on a leadoff home run in the second.
 
Theis settled down with his first 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the third, allowing Milwaukee to tie the score as Marion walked and eventually crossed the plate on a double play in the fourth.
 
"Tonight really started and ended with our pitching," added Wegner. "Gavin provided us a quality outing on Opening Day … he had great poise, solid presence and showed his senior leadership."
 
Marion drove in two more with a bases-loaded single to put the Panthers back on top at 4-2 in the fifth.
 
"Marion really asserted himself in his debut," said Wegner. "The mixture of returners and newcomers strung together some good at bats and put enough runs on the board tonight."
 
Theis got the first out of the sixth inning and gave way to Mueller, who struck out the next two to end the frame. Mueller then stranded a pair in the seventh after surrendering a pair of one-out walks.
 
"Mueller got the ball in the zone and was a tough matchup, especially against left-handed hitters," noted Wegner. "He was able to wiggle out of a small jam and left it all out there to get the save."

Camden Kuhnke added late insurance for the Panthers with a two-run home run in the eighth following a one-out double by John Hadley, who had two hits in his collegiate debut.
 
Mercer got an eighth inning home run by Bradley Frye to close the gap to three but could do nothing further against Mueller. The game ended on a highlight reel grab in deep foul territory by Gabe Roessler streaking towards the home bullpen.
 
Colton Cosper got the start and tossed the first four innings for Mercer with six strikeouts, while Jess Ackerman pitched the final five and struck out eight Panthers.
 
"Ultimately, 14 strikeouts are just too many," concluded Wegner. "I think our team will have their emotions in check a bit more tomorrow."
 
Milwaukee and Mercer will meet for game two of the series on Saturday afternoon with first pitch set for 1:00 p.m. at OrthoGeorgia Park.