Imagine playing the first three innings of a game, taking a break and completing the final four innings one month later.

Such was the case for the Mehlville Senior High baseball team as the Panthers suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to conference-rival Lafayette, completing a game that was delayed April 12 because of rain.

“I think that it was a game that we wanted to finish up because it was a conference game for both of us,” head coach Jim Kern told the Call. “We also thought that it would be a good tune-up game for districts.”

The Panthers (14-9, 3-4 Suburban West) sent senior pitcher Jake Morgan to the mound when the game started last month. He allowed two runs on three hits in three innings while striking out three. He’s 4-3 overall with a 1.56 earned run average.

“I think he has given us a chance to win every time he’s out there,” Kern said. “In all three of his losses, he’s given us that chance to win and we just didn’t do it.”

Tony Maus took over the hill for the Panthers when the game reconvened one month later. The senior reliever gave up one run on two hits in three innings pitched. He also walked one and struck out one in his second appearance on the mound this year. Maus also hit 1-2 at the plate with one run driven in.

“Tony is a gutsy performer that is out there to win every day,” Kern said. “He’s a very key performer for us to win.”

Mehlville is back in action this Tuesday as they take on Oakville in the District 3 semifinal game — after the Call went to press. The Panthers and the Tigers have met twice this season and Kern knows his team will have to be nearly flawless against Oakville.

“Oakville is one of the better teams in our district and the area,” Kern said. “We’re 1-1 against them this season and we’re going to need to put the ball into play. I think it will be a great battle between the two.”

The championship game of the District 3 tournament is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Mehlville Senior High School.