Gray Collegiate defeated East Clarendon Monday night by a score of 5-1 in the Class 2A state baseball playoffs. The game was played at the Midland Baseball Complex in West Columbia.
“We’re happy to be playing another game, that’s all we can ask for.” Gray Collegiate head baseball coach Charles Assey said. 

Wyatt Keisler was the winning pitcher for the War Eagles. Keisler got off to a strong start in the top of the first with 3 consecutive strikeouts. 
Gray Collegiate got things goiing offensively early thanks to a Matt Willis triple in the first inning that sent home Guy Epps. Keisler then hit a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0. 

In the top of the 4th, the Wolverines looked poised to rally with 3 runners on. However, a Dalton Hale and Bryce Sox double play followed by a Keisler strikeout would leave the bases loaded for East Clarendon.
In the bottom of the fourth, Xander McKenzie scored on a wild pitch to put the War Eagles up 3-0. 

Gray Collegiate (22-10) extend the lead to 5-0 in the next inning on a Guy Epps double to score Mason Eadey, followed by a Matt Willis' RBI single. 
In the bottom of the 7th, East Clarendon threatened to come back with 3 runners on base. Keisler walked home a run, prompting Assey to bring in Epps to close the game.  

Epps made it quick, ending the game with a strikeout.

After the game Assey particularly highlighted Keisler’s stellar pitching performance. 
"He did a great job," Assey said. "It's just what we needed." 
The War Eagles will now travel to Shipyard Ballpark in North Charleston Wednesday to once again face their sister school, Oceanside Academy. This time, it's for the Class 2A Lower State championship.

Dutch Fork 8, Summerville 4 (8 innings)

For the 3rd consecutive year, the Class 5A Lower State final will feature 2 teams from Region 5-5A.

The Silver Foxes earned a rematch with 2-time defending Class 5A champion River Bluff after the extra innings win over the Green Wave.

Dutch Fork scored 3 runs in the Top 7th to take a 4-1 lead, only to have Summerville and University of South Carolina commit Cole Messina answer with a 3-run homer to tie the game.

Dutch Fork loaded the bases to open the 8th on a hit batsman, 1 of 5 Summerville errors and a walk. Hugh Ryan put the Silver Foxes ahead to stay with a single, Noah Jackson forced in a run after he was hit and Crosby Jones capped the rally with a 2-run single.

Jones finished with 3 hits and 3 RBI to lead the Silver Foxes.

Andrew Fulmer pitched a scoreless inning of relief to close out the win.

River Bluff has won 3 of the 4 meetings this season with the Silver Foxes, including the 9-3 victory in the Lower State opener. The winner will open the state finals Saturday at either J.L. Mann or Blythewood.

Airport 4, Hilton Head Island 3 (8 innings)

John Allen Forrester’s 2nd hit of the game was a tiebreaking RBI double in the Top 8th that lifted the Eagles into the Class 4A Lower State final on  Wednesday.

An RBI double by Cam Beckham in the Top 6th deadlocked the contest at 3-3.

Brandon Caughman started for Airport and struck out 8 in 6 innings. Ryan Sightler pitched 2 innings of relief.

To advance to the Class 4A playoffs for the 2nd straight year, Airport (17-12-1) must defeat Region 5-4A nemesis Midland Valley twice Wednesday in the Lower State final. The Mustangs have won all 3 meetings this season with the Eagles.

Strom Thurmond 3, Gilbert 2

Jordyn Hill’s walkoff RBI single in the bottom 7th sent the Rebels to the Class 3A Lower State final and ended the Indians’ season.

Gilbert took a 2-1 lead in the Top 5th as D.J. Merchant scored on 1 of 3 Strom Thurmond errors and Alex McGinty stole home. The Rebels answered with runs in the bottom half of the inning, the 6th and 7th.

The Indians finish with a 19-9 mark.

S.C. HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE

Tuesday’s Schedule

(Boys Soccer)

Dutch Fork at Wando 7 p.m.

Wednesday’s Schedule

(Softball)

Batesburg-Leesville at Central

(Baseball)

Dutch Fork at River Bluff

Gray Collegiate vs. Oceanside Collegiate (at Shipyard Ballpark in North Charleston)