BATTER UP!

Through one week of baseball, the Lexington County Blowfish are well ahead of last year’s pace.

Entering Tuesday, the Blowfish remained steady in the “waters” of the Coastal Plain League South Division standings. Their 2-2 mark had the team in a 3-way tie for second place behind Savannah, a far better showing than the 0-8 last-place record in 2017.

The team has also experienced its shares of highs and lows early in the campaign. After starting the season with a 7-run comeback win over Forest City at home, Lexington County was pounded in back-to-back losses to league newcomer the Macon Bacon (8-4) and the Owls (14-4).

The Blowfish nearly suffered a crushing third straight loss this past Monday after squandering a 6-1 lead at Gastonia. Lexington County rallied for the go-ahead run in the ninth and held on for the 7-6 win.

An early synopis of Lexington County through four games:

THE GOOD

It took 15 days into the regular season before Lexington County picked up its second victory last year. With this past Monday’s 7-6 win over Gastonia, the Blowfish had accomplished that feat and snapped a 2-game losing streak.

University of South Carolina pitcher Cam Tringali is the team leader in strikeouts (11), which ranks him second among CPL pitchers.

Chaney Rogers and White Knoll graduate Carson “Mac” McCurdy have served as a bright spot on offense. Rogers has a .700 slugging percentage and leads the team in runs scored (5), while McCurdy leads the team with 4 RBI.

THE BAD

Through four games, the Blowfish’s pitching staff is a work in progress. They are ranked last in the CPL in three categories (Earned run average, earned runs, runs allowed) and next to last in walks

(33).

The team has also struggled defensively with the third-most errors (11) and second lowest fielding percentage (.923). At the plate, the Blowfish are only batting .246 as a team and have the third-most strikeouts in the league.

Monday’s victory was a forgettable game for “Mr. Blowfish” Jared Williams. The Gilbert native went 0-6 with two strikouts.

HOMECOMING

The two home meetings against Forest City served as a reunion for several Blowfish and Owl players.

Forest City pitcher Daniel Kight and outfielder/pitcher Josh Senter got reacquainted with fellow River Bluff alumnus first baseman Sean Parsons and pitcher Jon Scott. Parsons singled off Senter during the ninth inning comeback in the season-opener.

PANCAKES DEBUT

After months of anticipation, the Lexington County Pancakes will play their first-ever game at Lexington County Baseball Stadium.

For Friday’s opponent, the fledgling Macon Bacon. the Blowfish will don a Pancakes logo (Flip The Pancake) and uniforms incorporating five colors: Blowfish navy, maroon, strong orange, tan, and luminous vivid amber (yellow).

The front of the jersey features “Pancakes” and a syrup-dripping spatula, while the backs will have the slogan “Batter Up” where the player’s name typically is and numbers that are dripping syrup as well.

The special jerseys will be sold at the ballpark and available at Blowfish on Main in Lexington.

In addition to the game, Friday is also Star Wars Night as fans are invited to wear their favorite characters from the long-running movie series. Throughout the season, a Fireworks Show will take place Friday and Saturday.

This Sunday, the Blowfish will play an exhibition game against Catawba All-Stars. Ice cream will be served at the ballpark.

BLOWFISH SCHEDULE

(All games start at 7:05 p.m.)

THURSDAY - at Savannah

FRIDAY - MACON

SATURDAY - at Savannah

SUNDAY - CATAWBA ALL-STARS

TUESDAY - at Florence (DH)