By Thomas Grant, Jr.
Only two of the four Region 4-A baseball teams remain in contention in the Class 5A playoffs.
In one case, Lexington has advanced to the Upper State playoffs in dramatic fashion. The Wildcats rallied from an early deficit to defeat Spartanburg 2-1 to win the District 1 Bracket on Monday.
All of the scoring took place in the 7th inning. The Vikings took a 1-0 lead on an RBI double by Tyrone Jeter.
Lexington got three consecutive singles by Jackson Cionek, Toby Sobieralski and Brayden Jeffcoat to load the bases. Ryder Kellis came to bat and belted a walkoff 2-run single to win the game.
The Wildcats will open the Upper State playoffs against region rival Dutch Fork on Thursday. Led by Matthew Rollison,’s five RBI, which includes a grand slam and solo home run, the Silver Foxes defeated Fort Mill 10-6 to win the District Two title’
Rainfall pushed back the Lower State District 6 Final Monday between defending Class 5A champion River Bluff and Ashley Ridge to Tuesday.
The Gators saw their title run end with a 2-1 loss to the Swamp Foxes.
Chapin stayed alive in the Class 5A Lower State District 5 bracket after a 5-1 win Monday over Conway. Jack Coletti drove in three runs and Maddox Floyd went 2-2 for the Eagles.
Jake Peterson struck out 8 batters and allowed three hits and one run for the victory.
West Ashley ended Chapin’s title hopes Tuesday with a 3-0 win in the District final.
SOFTBALL
Four Lake Murray teams remain in the hunt for state titles.
Lexington is awaiting the Dorman/Woodmont winner on Wednesday in the District I final. On Saturday, the Lady Wildcats rallied to defeat Woodmont 10-9, to advance to the District final.
Maya Drennon went 3-3 with 2 RBI, L8vi Warren went 3-4 with an RBI, Sam Craig drove in 2 runs and Elena Melinauskas had a home run.
Both Dutch Fork and Chapin were involved in elimination games on Tuesday. The Lady Silver Foxes lost 5-4 to Gaffney in eight innings, while the Lady Eagles defeated Cane Bay 5-2 led by Andee Dircks’ two RBI and a solo home run by Ella Majchrzak.
Chapin faced Sumter in the District final Wednesday winning two games to advance to the Lower State final.
In Class 3A, Gilbert will play host to the Georgetown/Hanahan winner on Wednesday for the Lower State District 7 title.