Naturchem Invitational Starts Thursday

Since it’s inception in 2016, the Naturchem Invitational has developed a reputation as one of the challenging preseason baseball tournaments in South Carolina.

The collaborative efforts of co-founders Jeff Parsons and head coaches Mark Bonnette of River Bluff and Brian Hucks of Lexington helped in the creation of this four-day tournament. The goal remains to  bond a community, showcase the facilities at Lexington and River Bluff High Schools and to create a premier high school baseball tournament with quality teams and competition and a first-rate experience for fans and teams alike.

Over the years, a state champion has emerged from the list of participants that has included A.C. Flora, Wren and Dorman. It has also seen the likes of future college players like Dorman’s T.J. White and River Bluff’s Alex Urban take part in events like the Home Run Derby (it will not take place this year).  

The past two seasons has seen both the Wildcats and Gators take turns as tournament champion. This season, the field of competition includes seven of the eight teams who were ranked in the preseason S.C. Baseball Coaches Association rankings.

It also starts Thursday with two games each with the championship game at 2:30 p.m. at either Lexington or River Bluff. Follow the results at www.naturcheminvitational.com, on Twitter at @naturcheminv or at Gamechanger.