Lexington County’s top baseball and softball teams were on full display last week in a slate of games that featured many high-scoring performances. 

There are still four undefeated teams entering this week. These four have quickly jumped out to hot starts thanks to a combination of exceptional hitting and pitching. 

The Airport baseball team and Gray Collegiate softball team are two of the final unbeaten teams. They are also both defending state champions. 

Airport began the season (6-0) after picking up wins over Spring Valley and Irmo last week. The Eagles knocked off Spring Valley 6-1 before outlasting a pitchers' duel against Irmo in a 1-0 win. 

Daniel Butts and Cooper Klosterman each pitched five innings and shut down most of the batters they faced. Butts was perfect, giving up no hits, walks or runs while striking out nine.

Klosterman had seven strikeouts but had a few slip-ups, giving up two hits, four walks and the game’s lone run. 

Airport struck in the fifth inning when Ryan Bullis singled, allowing Landon Jeffcoat to score. Bullis finished the game 1-2 and also earned a walk. 

The Eagles begin region play this week with a two-game series against Aiken. The Green Hornets enter the matchup (8-1) this season. 

Gray’s softball team is looking to win its third straight state title and is off to a good start.  The Eagles have won each of their first 10 games and are dominating their competition.

The War Eagles played a whopping eight games last week, including two region competitions and five games at the Lady Rebel Tournament. 

At the Lady Rebel, Gray defeated Nation Ford, Hillcrest, Indian Land, Byrnes and Fountain Inn. The War Eagles outscored their opponents 43-15 in those games.   

In region play, Gray shut out North Augusta 9-0 and beat Brookland-Cayce 17-1. Gray started region play (3-0) and has games against Airport and South Aiken this week. 

American Leadership’s baseball team is another one of the final remaining undefeated teams in Lexington County. 

The Patriots are (6-0) and will head into region play undefeated. The team had a big test to open conference games, facing Saluda on Tuesday after the Chronicle’s press deadline. The two will meet again this Friday. 

Batesburg-Leesville’s softball team is the fourth team with a perfect start to the season. The Panthers entered this week (4-0) and will also begin conference play this week. 

While suffering no losses in the early season can build momentum, it does not guarantee late-season success. Many teams with losses on their record will be in the mix to win those same region titles and compete for a state championship. 

On the baseball field, teams like Chapin, River Bluff and Swansea have taken a few blows in games this season. However, those losses have not defined their starts to the year. 

The same can be said about local softball teams, such as Lexington and Gilbert. 

This baseball and softball season is just getting started. It's up to these teams to maintain this level of play from now all the way through the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. 

With region contests just gearing up, the field is wide open, and it’s still anyone’s game. 

Upcoming games to watch

American Leadership vs. Saluda baseball - March 20

Lexington vs. Chapin softball - March 20

Gilbert vs. Aiken baseball - March 20

Airport vs. Gilbert softball - March 23

American Leadership vs. Batesburg-Leesville softball - March 24

Airport vs. Midland Valley baseball - March 25

Last week’s notable performances 

Ashleigh Fronden went 3-4, hitting two home runs and a double for five RBIs as American Leadership beat Irmo.

David Derrick hit a home run and two doubles to score three RBIs for Dutch Fork in a win against Mid-Carolina. 

Makenzie Sease pitched a complete game in Gray Collegiate’s shutout win over North Augusta, recording 14 strikeouts and allowing just two hits. 

Daniel Butts pitched five innings, recording nine strikeouts while giving up no hits or walks in Airport’s narrow 1-0 win over Irmo. 

Iyanna Butler had five RBIs, hitting a home run and a triple as Swansea took down Keenan. 

Kendall Wright went 4-5 and scored three RBIs as Swansea blew out Keenan 19-0.