MLB CHINA IN LEXINGTON

The home of the Lexington County Blowfish was the site Sunday for the first of 3 games involving MLB China and the P27 Academy Blacksmiths.

MLB China is a team of 16-18 year olds from Nanjing, China while P27 Academy is a Lexington-based academy for high school baseball players and those seeking to improve themselves for college.

The 2 teams opened play against each other at Lexington County Baseball Stadium. The series was presented by the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission.

Game 1 went in favor of the host team out of Lexington. P27 Academy came away with a 3-0 shutout win as the pitching staff allowed just 2 hits.

Among the pitchers used was Leesville native Ryan Ouzts. The Gilbert High School senior struck out 4 batters and allowed no hits over the final 2 innings.

Ouzts also added insurance in the top 9th with a 2-run double. Connor Daniels gave P27 Academy a 1-0 lead in the bottom 4th with a bloop single.

MLB China rebounded the next day in sweeping a doubleheader with P27 Academy. It pounded out 14 hits in a 12-0 win in 5 innings in Game 1 and won Game 2 by an 8-6 score.

Blowfish present their team awards

The Lexington County Blowfish bestowed its team awards this past week.

Earning Team Most Valuable Player honors was outfielder Michael Green. The Clemson University product and Coastal Plain League All-Star batted .337 with 6 home runs, including 3 at a July 23 home game against the Fayetteville Swampdogs.

Infielder Houston Wright was named the Blowfish’s Offensive Player of the Year. The Gaffney native played in all 49 games and led the team in home runs (8), hits (56) and RBI (31).

The Jonathan Johnson Pitcher of the Year Award, named after the winningest coach in Blowfish history, was won by Shane Connolly. The Citadel lefthander led the team in starts (9), innings pitched (48 2/3) and strikeouts (45).

The Mr. Blowfish Award, given to the player that best exemplifies what it means to be a Blowfish through play, hustle, and passion was given to catcher James McConnon. The Pennslyvania native had 37 hits and drove in 16 runs.