Southside inched closer to its postseason ambitions with a 12-8 win over Livingston on Friday.

Trailing 2-0 early on, the Panthers erupted with a 10-run fourth inning to take a commanding 11-2 lead. But, they couldn’t find an elusive 11th run to force the mercy rule.

Livingston responded with a six-run fifth inning to close the gap to 11-8, but Southside held on for the win.

Michael Perryman led the Panther offense by going 2-for-3 with two singles, an RBI and three runs scored. LaQuentin Gunn went 2-for-3 with a double, run scored, and an RBI. Jamal Dudley finished 2-for-3 with a triple and single, and Wilbert McConico rounded out the bunch with a 2-for-3 day at the plate with two singles and two runs scored.

Southside pitcher Marion Oliver went struck out seven over 4 1/3 innings of work.