The Middlebury baseball team took the first two games of a three-game set with Hamilton on Forbes Field. The Panthers (11-9, 7-4) earned a 9-0 win in game one, before topping the Continentals (8-18, 1-7) 9-1 in the nightcap. The teams hope to return to action on Saturday for game three, weather permitting.

Michael Joseph (2-2) tossed a four-hit complete game shutout in game one, striking out six in the seven-inning contest. The Panthers jumped on Hamilton starter Colin Henneberger (1-4) in the first, with a lead-off triple from Thomas Driscoll. Zach Roeder singled through the right side to score Will Baine, before Michael Morris belted a double to left to plate Thomas Rafferty and Roeder.

 The Panthers added to the lead in the second with a two-run double to left by Baine, making it a 5-0 contest. After scoring a run in the third, RBI singles from Joseph Conway and Tyler Wark scored a pair in the fifth to increase the lead to 8-0.

Hamilton's best chance to score came in the sixth with two on and two out. Wesley Mayberry hit a shot to right that was denied by a diving catching from Donald McKillop to keep the Continentals off the board.

Middlebury added a run in the ninth to come away with the 9-1 victory. Rafferty went 3-4 in the game, followed by Roeder, who was 2-2 with three runs scored and two RBI. Driscoll and Wark each had a pair of hits in the contest.

Henneberger gave up six runs and eight hits over a pair of innings to take the loss. Joe Buicko had a pair of hits to lead the Hamilton offense.

In game two, Middlebury starter Nick Angstman improved to 3-0 overall, tossing seven innings in a 9-1 nine-inning victory. Scooter Scott closed out the game with two innings of scoreless relief.

Roeder broke up a scoreless game in the fifth with a bases loaded double down the left field line to score three. The Panthers came right back in the sixth with three runs on four hits to make it a 6-0 game. Driscoll singled through the right side to score Wark and Conway, before Baine plated Alex Kelly with a single through the left side.

Hamilton scored its only run of the day in the bottom of the sixth, with a bases loaded RBI groundout. Baine made a nice play on a ball hit to short by Joe Buicko, getting him at first as Kyle Mason came in the back door.

Middlebury added a run in the seventh and two in the eighth on a double to left center by Rafferty to make it a 9-1 final.

Roeder went 3-4 in the game with a double, three RBI and a run scored, while Baine was 3-5. Driscoll and Conway each went 2-5, while Michael Morris finished the game 2-4. Roeder and Driscoll both extended their hitting streaks to 11 games over the pair of wins.

Michael Matt went 3-3 for Hamilton, while Mayberry and Kevin Prindle each were 2-5. Daniel Kroening (0-7) suffered the loss, allowing six runs, five earned and seven hits over 5.1 innings of work.

Game 1 Box  - Game 2 Box