The Mehlville Panthers baseball team is catching fire at the perfect moment, riding a four-game winning streak from May 5 through 8 to push their record to an impressive 15-7.
Over the last four contests, the Panthers have outscored their opponents by a staggering 49-3 margin, including three consecutive shutouts and four straight games with double-digit runs scored.
The most recent victory, as of The Call’s press time, came in dominant fashion on the road against Hazelwood West on May 8, with Mehlville cruising to an 11-0 win.
Bryce Chitwood led the offensive charge with three RBIs, while Culton Thompson added two hits, two RBIs and a stolen base. Jase Mayberry, Ryan Maloney and Hunter Lotspeich each drove in runs, contributing to the team’s offensive onslaught.
On the mound, Sam Dollens was nearly untouchable, allowing just one hit over five innings while striking out six. The performance improved his record to 3-0 on the season and further highlighted the depth of Mehlville’s pitching staff.
Despite a grueling stretch of road games—four in one week—the young Panthers squad is finding its rhythm at just the right time. With the postseason on the horizon and a tough district loaded with elite pitching, Mehlville’s emerging offense could be the key to a deep playoff run.
“Our team lacked varsity experience early on,” head coach Tim Ode said. “But now, our younger players are starting to blossom with the increased reps. The timing couldn’t be better.”
Junior standout, Paxson Schnieders, has been a rock for Mehlville all season, both at the plate and on the mound. Known for his consistency and clutch hitting, Paxson has reaped the rewards of a dedicated offseason in the weight room. He’s also becoming one of the area’s top junior pitchers, handling the team’s toughest assignments with poise and determination.
“He puts a tremendous amount of time into his craft,” Ode added. “The sky’s the limit for this kid.”
Thompson and Mayberry, both enjoying strong campaigns in 2025, have also played pivotal roles in Mehlville’s surge. With Thompson behind the plate and Mayberry patrolling center field, the Panthers boast one of the most reliable up-the-middle defensive duos in the area.
With every starter expected to return next season, the future looks bright for Mehlville baseball. But the team remains focused on the present, determined to carry their momentum into the postseason.
“We have developed a reputation, in Mehlville baseball, as always being a team that is playoff ready,” Ode said. “Any given day we have the confidence we can beat anyone and our recent success has been an indicator of that.”