DAYTON, Ohio – An early home run from Dylan O'Connell wasn't enough to spark Milwaukee's offense, as the Panthers fell to host Wright State by an 8-3 score on Saturday afternoon.
 
In addition to O'Connell's solo blast, Charlie Marion delivered a two-run single to account for the Panthers' run total.
 
"We were able to get on the board first, which is something that all offenses look to achieve," noted head coach Shaun Wegner. "That was very short lived, however … we need to pitch the baseball better than that if you get the ball to start."
 
Spotted the early lead, Milwaukee starter Tyler Hrin was unable to hold the advantage, allowing five runs over his inning-plus of work. Patrick Fultz hit a two-run home run for Wright State in the top of the second, chasing Hrin in the process.
 
"Tyler just couldn't get a grip of the zone and was always pitching from behind, which feeds right into a good offense," added Wegner. "Defensively we played one of our better games and didn't allow additional opportunities, which I hope we can build upon tomorrow."
 
Down 5-1, the Panthers got back on the scoreboard with two in the top of the fourth on Marion's two-out knock to score O'Connell and Dominic Kibler, who had back-to-back hits to start the inning.
 
Wright State added one in the fourth and two more in the fifth off Mason Weckler to take an 8-3 lead, before the Panther bullpen was able to settle down.
 
Lucas Watson pitched a scoreless inning, while Aiden Fishnick allowed just a walk and two hits over 2 2/3 scoreless frames. Riley Golden retired the lone batter he faced.
 
"I honestly thought our bullpen did a nice job of coming in and quieting the noise and extending the game for us within reach," Wegner added. "Weckler held serve, Watson was really good in his look, Fishnick was a calming presence, and Golden forced action and got the groundout to end the 8th. I commend those guys on their work today."
 
After a double play short-circuited Milwaukee's rally in the fifth, the Pantehrs were only able to get one baserunner on over the final four innings. Tate Schmidt walked with one out in the eighth.
 
"If we want to leave here tomorrow with a different result, it's going to take our offense scoring some runs and really selling out to follow the approach," Wegner concluded. "We have tried to do too much when we fall behind and just fall into the trap. Stack good at-bats on top of each other and we can give the Raiders a run at it tomorrow."
 
Milwaukee and Wright State will wrap up the series on Sunday. The game has been moved up an hour due to favorable weather conditions. First pitch will now be at 11:00 a.m. (CT).