Things got tougher this year for argubly the SC High School League’s most competitive baseball region.

Coming back after last year’s cancellation of the season due to covid-19 has presented 1 major change. Only 2 teams will qualify for the post-season from every region.

For Region 5-5A, which has produced a state finalist every year since Class 5A’s inception, this adds even more importance to the already intense regular-season contests. Even more disappointing for coaches like River Bluff’s Mark Bonnette is the prospect of seeing a championship caliber team have its season cut short again.

“To be honest with you, I don’t like it,” said Bonnette following his team’s 4-2 win over Blythewood to claim the 2021 Naturchem Invitational title. “I wish we could have a normal year with 4 teams getting in because I know how good our region is. A few years back, a 3 seed (Dutch Fork) actually went on and won the state championship from our region. So I know how hard it is to get in there.

“I wish it was 4, but it is what it is. Everybody’s got to play the same rules, so we just do the best we can.”

Having sense of urgency was what Lexington displayed this past Monday against its archrival. Down 3-1 with 1 out in the Bottom 7th, the Wildcats were in danger of dropping their home region opener.

Instead, they erupted for 4 straight hits capped by Nathan Hall’s walkoff 2-run double to take the 4-3 victory.

“It’s high anxiety with only 2 teams getting in and you’ve got to find a way to hold serve at home,” Lexington head coach Brian Hucks said. “I thought we were about to give 1 away, but I’ll credit my players. They went out there and got it done.”

River Bluff looks to return the favor Thursday at home against the Wildcats. It’s the 2nd of 3 meetings between the 2 teams as part of a 12-game region schedule.

Tournament action

The past weekend saw 3 Chronicle Country teams reach the finals of preseason baseball tournaments.

Only Class 2A 5th ranked Gray Collegiate came away with the championship trophy. The War Eagles shut out Sumter 10-0 to win the Carolina Ale House Invitational at Irmo High School.

On Monday, Gray Collegiate continued its winning ways with a 1-0 victory over SCISA number 1 Hammond School.

Host school and Class 3A 5th ranked Gilbert High School reached the final of the Sandlapper Shootout. It faced an undefeated Class 4A top-ranked AC Flora and was shut out 12-0.

In Edgefield, Dutch Fork reached the final of the Peach Ridge Invitational. Despite a late rally, the Class 5A 5th ranked Silver Foxes were defeated by Fox Creek 5-4.

Dutch Fork rebounded from that loss by opening Region 5-5A play with an 11-0 victory over White Knoll at home this past Monday.

Clemson 2-sport commit Will Taylor belted a 2-run home run and he and Cooper French each had 3 RBIs for the Timberwolves.

NCA GOES TO 1ST MEET

Northside Christian Academy participated in its 1st ever track and field meet on March 9 at Sumter High School.

The girls’ 4x800 meter relay team of junior Kaitlynn Ford, sophomores Bayleigh Womack and Riley Colby and 7th grader Lilli Moore posted a winning time of 12:02.08.

Bayleigh also placed 3rd in the 800 meters with a region meet qualifying time of 2:50.59. She was followed by teammate Colby, who also posted a region qualifying time of 2:53.31 which was good for 4th place and was 7th in the long jump.

On the boys’ side, 7th Grader William Cochrane finished 6th in the 3200 with a region meet qualifying time of 13:10.98. The Crusaders returned to action Wednesday at Lower Richland.