By Thomas Grant Jr.
The Coastal Plain League baseball season is reaching the midway point of the first half.
It’s a three-team race for first place. As of Tuesday, the Lexington County Blowfish (9-6) were 1 ½ games behind Forest City (9-3) and a game behind Asheboro (9-4) in the West Division.
The Blowfish’s struggles with Forest City continued with two home losses last week. After a 5-1 loss on June 9, Lexington County rebounded with two straight wins over Florence and East Division leader Peninsula.
On June 12, Lexington County dropped to 0-3 to the Owls with a 10-4 loss. The Blowfish then headed on the road to face the Tri-City Chili Peppers on Saturday.
The trio of Brent Stukes of Gray Collegiate Academy, Scott Templeton, and Hunter Phipps of Dutch Fork each posted four strikeouts. A 7-run sixth inning helped the Blowfish pull away for the 13-5 win.
Nick DiCarlo went 2-3 with three RBI and Zach Buchan went 2-4 with two RBI in the win.
On Sunday, Lexington County fell in eight innings 14-3 to Holly Springs. The Blowfish returned to action in Boone, NC to face the Bigfoots before returning home Wednesday to meet the Bacon.
FORMER BLOWFISH MAKES IMPACT AT CWS
The Coastal Carolina baseball team has advanced in the winner’s bracket at the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
Wells Sykes of Lexington reaches base against Arizona
The Chanticleers opened with a 7-4 victory over Arizona. Lexington graduate Wells Sykes, one of four former Blowfish on the Coastal Carolina roster, opened the scoring in the second inning with a 2-run double.
With the game tied at 4-4 in the eighth inning, Sykes hit a 2-out double to start a 3-run rally that put the Chanticleers ahead.
“This is my last year of college eligibility and I’m giving it everything I’ve got for this team,” Sykes said. “I’ve got a ton of respect for my teammates and my coaches, and I think the big crowds and the loud environments are helping. We’re locked in. We’re on a crazy win streak. We’re really consistent.”
Another former Blowfish Ty Dooley also went 2-4.
On Monday, the Chanticleers defeated Oregon State 6-2 for their 25th straight win. They were awaiting the winner of Tuesday’s matchup between Louisville and Oregon State on Wednesday.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Blowfish will hold Neon 90s Hooties Night on Friday against Florence. The team will wear neon-colored Hooties jerseys with Back The 90s on the back.
Fans will be able to bid on the jerseys at www.blowfishbaseball.com. Proceeds benefit Lexington Medical Center Foundation and The Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation will match up to $10,000.
Following the game, the Blowfish will hold a fireworks show. Another show will take place Saturday night as part of “Take A Selfie Night” for the contest against High Point-Thomasville.
LEXINGTON COUNTY BLOWFISH SCHEDULE
THURSDAY – at Macon Bacon 7 p.m.
FRIDAY – FLORENCE 7:05 p.m.
SATURDAY – HIGH POINT-THOMASVILLE 7:05 p.m.
MONDAY – at Martinsville 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY – at Forest City 6:30 p.m.
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