By Thomas Grant Jr.
In Coastal Plain League season’s past, the second half truly was the “second season”.
Teams that did not win the first half titles in their respective divisions had another opportunity at reaching the Petitt Cup playoffs. By winning the second half, those teams would meet the first-place champion in a Best-of-Three series to reach the final.
For the first time, the CPL has revamped the playoff format. Instead of the two half-season champions making the playoffs, only the top three teams from each division will be eligible.
The East and West Division champions for the full season will get a first-round bye. It will face the winner of a one-game playoff between the second and third place teams in a Best-of-Three series.
The winners from both divisions will then meet for the Petitt Cup.
As of Tuesday, the Lexington County Blowfish sit in third place in the West Division. They are a combined 0-4 this season against first-place Forest City (0-3) and second-place Asheboro.
The Blowfish received good news Tuesday. A total of six players were voted onto the West Division team at the CPL All-Star Game.
This year’s 24th edition of the contest takes place Sunday and Monday at the Macon Bacon’s home park Luther Williams Field in Macon, Ga.
Designated hitter Andrew Ortiz and outfielder Nick DiCarlo will start for the West. Second baseman Brandon Gibbs of Spring Valley, third baseman Blake Martin of Dutch Fork, shortstop Zach Cowart of River Bluff, and designated hitter Ty Marshall of Clemson and Brookland-Cayce are among the reserves.
The players were voted upon within their division (East and West) by CPL head coaches, front office staff, broadcasters and local media representatives from each market. Since the game is being played in Macon, the West CPL All-Stars will be the home team while the East CPL All-Stars will serve as the visitors.
INDEPENDENCE DAY AT THE FISHBOWL
Before taking a 4-day hiatus for the All-Star Break, the Blowfish will kick off the second half of their schedule with a “Patriotic” weekend.
On Thursday, it’s ‘Red, White and Blue” night when Lexington County faces the Boone Bigfoots. The team is encouraging fans to wear their stars and stripes colors and will be treated to the first of back-to-back fireworks shows.
It’s also ‘Thirsty Thursday’ at the ballpark. From 6-8 p.m., alcoholic beverages will be available at half price.
The following night is ‘We Love America Night’. A 7-inning intrasquad game between the Blowfish and Glowfish will also take place, followed by a second straight fireworks show.
For more information, visit www.blowfishbaseball.com.
LEXINGTON COUNTY BLOWFISH SCHEDULE
THURSDAY – BOONE BIGFOOT 7:05 p.m.
FRIDAY – “GLOWFISH” 7:05 p.m.
SATURDAY – at Florence Flamingos 7 p.m.
SUNDAY/MONDAY – CPL ALL-STAR GAME (Macon, Ga.)
WEDNESDAY – FLORENCE FLAMINGOS 7:05 p.m.
(Photos by Lexington County Blowfish)