Thursday is do or die for the Pelham Panthers. After going 19-2 through the season, the top-ranked Panthers have lost three straight Class 6A, Area 10 games and face elimination when they travel to Hoover Thursday night.

Hoover pulled even with Pelham in Area 10 with a 4-1 win Monday at Bobby Hayes Field.

Both pitchers went the distance, as Taylor Barnes tossed a three-hitter, allowing one run in the bottom of the fifth on a solo home run from Pelham catcher Ryan Roberts. Bates struck out five and walked one for the win.

Trevor Fitts gave up four runs on seven hits and walked three for Pelham. He struck out seven.

Brandon Perry led Hoover with two RBIs, as he, Josh Magee and Sam Frost each hit home runs with the wind blowing out at the field.