After 2 days of rain delays, the 5th annual Naturchem Invitational was officially underway Friday. 

A total of 6 contests took place at River Bluff and Lexington High Schools. Both host teams came away with opening victories.

At Wildcat Stadium, Lexington defeated Camden 10-3. After falling behind 1-0 in the top 1st, the Wildcats scored 5 unanswered runs in the 1st and 4th inning.

University of South Carolina-bound senior David Cromer had a 2-run single and Ryan Toll and Landon McMahon both scored 3 runs for Lexington. On the mound, Braison Bourne had 10 strikeouts and allowed just 2 hits in 4 ⅔ innings for the win. 

In other games at Lexington, Mauldin blanked Sumter 15-0 and Belton-Honea Path defeated Airport 6-3.

Over in The Swamp, River Bluff defeated Lugoff-Elgin 6-4. The Gators scored 3 runs in the 1st to answer the Demons’ 3-run rally, starting with a 2-run homer by Jacob Lebron and a RBI single by Thomas Powell.

After Lugoff-Elgin reclaimed the lead in the top of the 3rd, River Bluff answered in the bottom half with another 3-run rally. Alex Urban tied the game with a sacrifice fly and Ethan Plyler belted a 2-run single. 

Clemson-bound pitcher Ricky Williams struck out 6 in 3 innings and Zach Cowart fanned 3 in 2 innings in relief. 

The other games at River Bluff saw Summerville defeat Wren 9-6 and Blythewood over Dorman 6-2.

Day 2 of the Naturchem Invitational is highlighted by the annual Home Run Derby at 7:30 pm. Alex Urban of River Bluff is the defending champion at his home ballpark. 

DAY 2 NATURCHEM INVITATIONAL SCHEDULE

(At Lexington High School) 

Camden vs. Mauldin 9:30 am

Summerville vs. Lugoff-Elgin noon

Lexington vs. Belton-Honea Path 2:30 pm 

(At River Bluff High School)

Blythewood vs. Wren 10 am

Airport vs. Dorman 12:30 pm

River Bluff vs. Sumter 3 pm

Home Run Derby 7:30 pm