MACON, Ga. – An early home run wasn't enough to kickstart the Panthers on Saturday afternoon, as Milwaukee fell to host Mercer by a 12-4 score in the middle game of a three-game set.
 
Justin Hausser had a first inning blast to get Milwaukee started, but the host Bears scored six over the next two innings and did not surrender the lead. The Panthers scored three in the fourth as John Hadley drove in two runs and Gabe Roessler plated Hadley to get back within one but proved to be all the offense for Milwaukee on the day.
 
Mercer's offense added the final six runs of the game and coasted its way to 12 runs on just 10 hits as the Bears took advantage of four walks, three hit batters and an error.
 
"Typically when a team has more runs than hits on the scoreboard, it's not going to be a winning formula," said head coach Shaun Wegner. "Mercer was able to accomplish that, while we didn't with runners in scoring position."
 
Logan Schulfer made his Panther re-debut after two seasons away from the Black & Gold, and struck out four batters over four innings of work. He gave up the first six runs, while Aric Ehmke allowed the next six over his 2 1/3 frames.
 
"We got bit by the long ball today against Mercer," added Wegner. "They have some physical guys that took advantage of some leveraged counts and punished mistakes we made on the mound."
 
The Bears hit three home runs on the day including long balls by Bradley Frye, Ty Dalley, and two off the bat of Parker Lester, who finished the game with four RBIs. Four relievers combined to keep the Panthers scoreless over the final five innings.
 
Mason Weckler pitched well in his Panther debut, allowing just two hits and a balk over the final 1 2/3 innings.
 
"Schulfer settled in after his first two innings and Weckler did some really nice things today too," said Wegner.
 
"Ultimately we have to pick ourselves up and come back tomorrow with a chance to win the series on opening weekend," Wegner finished. "I'm excited to go into battled with these guys tomorrow."
 
Milwaukee and Mercer will play the rubber game of the three-game set on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m. (CT) at OrthoGeorgia Park.