The 1st  matchup in the season-long “I-20 series” went in favor of the Lexington County Blowfish.

Overcoming a 6-run rally after surrendering a 4-0 lead and getting 7 shutout innings from the bullpen, the Blowfish defeated the host team Florence Red Wolves 11-6 in the Coastal Plain League South Division matchup.

Lexington (2-3) jumped out to a 2-0 lead after loading the bases in the Top 1st. Zacchaeus Rasberry drew an RBI walk and Josiah Sightler of the University of South Carolina had an RBI sacrifice fly.

RBI singles by Jimmy Marcelli and Houston Wright extended the lead to 4-0 in the Top 2nd. In the bottom half of the inning, Florence (2-5) pounded out 6 hits against Blowfish starter Zach Williams and took a 6-4 advantage.

Gilbert High graduate Jacob Rye entered the game in the top 3rd for Lexington County. He proceeded to silence Florence’s bats in 3 scoreless innings of relief and was credited with the win.

Meanwhile, Lexington County rallied with 3 runs in the top 4th to reclaim the lead at 7-6. A solo home run in the 5th by Slightler extended the lead to 8-6 and the Blowfish added 3 runs on a Sightler RBI double, a sacrifice fly by James McConnon and RBI single by Tyler Corbitt of Airport High School in the top 9th.

After allowing the 1st 2 RedWolves to reach base, Blowfish reliever Grayson Stoneking struck out 3 consecutive batters to preserve the win.

Lexington County will remain on the road Friday and travel to the Macon Bacon. The Blowfish will then return home Saturday to face Florence on “Irish Heritage Night”.