LOWER STATE ‘BATTLE’

The Lower State playoffs will be once-again well-represented by the “Iron Region”.

For the 3rd consecutive year, at least 2 teams from Region 5-5A will compete for a berth in the Class 5A championship.

River Bluff and Dutch Fork completed undefeated runs in their respective districts to set up a Lower State opener Thursday night in The Swamp.

“I’m partial, but this region is the best region in the state,” Gators’ head coach Mark Bonnette. “When Lexington, as good a baseball team as they are, finishes 4th, that just tells you how a good it is. Iron sharpens iron. Everybody says that. That’s the truth. We’ve been in a lot of battle-tested games, so we face a lot of good pitching. So, I think our guys are not afraid of the moment.”

In claiming a 3rd straight district title, River Bluff won all 3 games by a combined score of 18-2 with 2 shutouts. Against the Gamecocks, Bray-don Fowler allowed just 4 hits and struck out 2 in 5 scoreless innings on the mound.

Alex Urban drove in 4 runs on a 2nd inning grand slam as part of a 5-run rally.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to play for a district championship 4 years in a row and win it now 3 years in a row,” Bonnette said. “But I don’t want everyone to take this for granted. It’s hard to get here. We had to beat a lot of good baseball teams to be where we’re at and we’re playing in May. If you’re playing in May, you’ve had a great year.”

Dutch Fork also went 3-0 in their district, outscoring their opponents 39-8.

“They’re a well-coached team,” Bonnette said. “They’ve got some great players. They’ve got a couple of really good arms. They’re lineup is as good as anybody’s in the state. So I expect it to be a battle.”

Also advancing to the Lower State finals in their respective classifications were Airport in Class 4A, Gilbert in Class 3A and Gray Collegiate Academy in Class 2A.

Meanwhile, Region 5-5A champion Chapin and Region 5-3A champion Pelion were defeated twice in their respective District finals at home by Summerville and Aynor, respectively.

Batesburg-Leesville was eliminated from the Class 2A playoffs by Andrew Jackson.

THURSDAY’S BASEBALL SCHEDULE

Dutch Fork at River Bluff

Gray Collegiate at East Clarendon

Gilbert at Bishop England

Airport at Midland Valley

SOFTBALL DISTRICT FINALS

A total of 6 Chronicle Country teams were in position to advance to the Lower State playoffs on Wednesday.

Lexington, Gilbert and Batesburg-Leesville all needed just 1 win to claim their respective district championships.

The task was more daunting for defending Class 5A champion White Knoll, Dutch Fork and Gray Collegiate. All 3 had to win twice on the road to advance to the Lower State playoffs which start Saturday.

The results are available now at www.schsl.organd www.lexingtonchronicle.com .