FRANKLIN FURNACE — Defense does make a difference.

The Chesapeake Panthers turned in their best defensive effort of the season and Travis Zimmerman pitched a four-hitter as they blanked the Green Bobcats 3-0 on Tuesday.

“We didn’t hit the ball that well, but we made the plays and that makes a difference,” said Panthers’ coach Joe Waugh.

The Panthers played error-free in the field while Zimmerman struck out six and walked three.

Chesapeake broke out on top with two runs in the first inning.

Matt Angle led off with a walk, Wes Lezu singled and Zimmerman walked to load the bases. Colton Lindsey reached on a fielder’s choice as a run scored and a throwing error on the play sent home the second run.

The Panthers added an insurance run in the seventh.

Lezu started the inning with a double and Pelfrey singled and stole second. On the stolen base, the throw got loose allowing Lezu to score.

Lezu went 3-4 as the Panthers managed seven hits.

T.J. McCloud struck out four and walked three in taking the loss.

Chesapeake (6-13) visits Symmes Valley on Thursday.

Chesapeake 200 000 1 = 3 7 0

Green 000 000 0 = 0 4 2

Travis Zimmerman and Brandon Noble. T.J. McCloud and Matt Ratcliff. W-Zimmerman (6-K, 3-BB, 2-HBP). L-McCloud (4-K, 3-BB). 2B-Chesapeake: Wes Lezu. Hitting-Chesapeake: Matt Angle 1-3, Wes Lezu 3-4, Shane Pelfrey 1-4, Travis Zimmerman 1-3, Colton Lindsey rbi, Gabe Freyre 1-2; Green: Billy Moore 1-2, Tyler Hughes 1-2, T.J. McCloud 1-3, Stacey Moore 1-3.