As the baseball and softball season continues around Lexington County, many of the area’s best teams are starting to separate themselves from their competition after another triumphant week of games.

The last two 5A baseball champions are competing for the top spot in their region and setting themselves up for a pseudo championship game at the end of the season. 

Lexington and River Bluff have taken a slight edge over their region mates, playing some good ball along the way. The Gators have a one-game advantage over the Wildcats entering this week, but both teams have another region series to play before facing each other. 

While the pair have the edge now, there are still a few teams that could possibly overtake one or both if things play out that way. Dutch Fork is close behind Lexington after splitting their series against the Wildcats last week. 

River Bluff and Dutch Fork will play their season series this week, and its outcome will have a significant effect on the standings. A Dutch Fork win could propel the Silver Foxes up the standings. A Gators win would strengthen their hold on first place. A split keeps many different possibilities on the table. 

Irmo is another team to watch down the stretch. The Yellow Jackets are sitting right in the middle of the pack with a 3-3 region record entering this week, but have proven to be a formidable opponent after starting the year 7-2 overall. 

On the softball field, it is on the verge of becoming a two-team race as Lexington and Chapin began this week with a multi-game cushion over third-place Dutch Fork. 

The Wildcats had a one-game edge over the Eagles coming into this week, thanks to a 13-0 win over Chapin in March. However, the two teams played for a second time this season on Tuesday. 

In the lower classifications, Gilbert, Airport, Brookland-Cayce and Gray Collegiate make up the top-four teams in their region. Gilbert and Gray’s softball teams are both unbeaten in region games and playing like state title contenders. And Swansea’s baseball team is looking to stay in condition for first-place in its region after a strong non-region start. 

Gilbert and Airport played on the baseball and softball fields last week. The two baseball teams split their season series, with each team winning on the road. 

The Indians took game one 4-0 before the Eagles got their revenge with a 3-1 win at Gilbert. The teams are deadlocked in the standings, and it will come down to who finishes the best. 

Both teams will play the same opponents down the stretch as well, with series against Brookland-Cayce and Gray left on the schedule. Lexington County’s four 4A schools saved their meetings for the end of the year, and a lot is on the line. 

Gilbert’s win over Airport on the softball field kept the team on pace with Gray. Gilbert and Gray are a combined 29-2 overall this year and 18-0 in region. The pair will meet for their final two region games this season, meaning whoever comes out on top could be crowned region champs. 

Those are a few story lines to pay attention to over the next few weeks as the baseball and softball season kicks into final gear. Many of the previously mentioned teams have state title dreams, and these key contests will be a crucial test in gauging their postseason readiness. 

Big Performances 

Makenzie Sease recorded 13 strikeouts while allowing just one hit and one walk in six innings during Gray Collegiate’s 10-0 win over A.C. Flora.

Kendall Wright went 5-6 from the plate and scored Swansea four RBIs and three runs in a win against Edisto. 

Justin Sightler had four RBIs after hitting a single and a triple in Airport’s win against Westwood. 

Kyler Baker hit a three-run homer and pitched four innings for Irmo in a narrow 6-5 win over White Knoll. 

Lauren Whitmer went 3-4 from the plate and hit a home run as River Bluff beat South Aiken. 

Carter Bouknight had two RBIs and pitched eight strikeouts in five innings as Batesburg-Leesville beat American Leadership. 

Upcoming games to watch 

Baseball 

Airport vs. Gray Collegiate - April 10

Dutch Fork vs. River Bluff - April 10

Swansea at Newberry - April 11

Airport vs. Hammond - April 15

Softball

Gilbert vs. Brookland-Cayce - April 10

Gray Collegiate vs. Airport - April 10

Dutch Fork vs. Lexington - April 11

River Bluff vs. Chapin - April 11