FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Pelham Panthers brought their No. 4 ranking to Chelsea March 12 to face off against the Hornets in Alabama 6A Area 8 play. After a slow start to the new 6A season, the Chelsea Hornets came ready to play and handed Pelham a 5-1 loss in their first area game of the season.

After four scoreless innings, the Panthers plated the first run in the top of the sixth and took a 1-0 lead. Chelsea came back to score five runs in the bottom of the sixth for the final score.

Chelsea was led offensively by Senior Tripp Hobbs who was 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBIs. Hunter Howard was 2-for-3 with a RBI. Davis Shoemaker, Keelan Gregg and Casey Ballenger each had a hit in the win.

Chelsea Junior Ross Ham picked up his second win of the year on the mound with a complete game performance. Ham threw seven strong innings giving up a run on six hits with a walk and two strikeouts.