By Thomas Grant Jr.
With two weeks remaining, the Lexington County Blowfish finds itself in a close race for first place in the Coastal Plain League West Division.
The Blowfish began a two-day, 3-game stretch Tuesday at home against front-runner Forest City. A doubleheader is scheduled the next day at McNair Field as Lexington County seeks its first win against the Owls this season.
Lexington County entered Tuesday in second place, trailing Forest City by two games. It ends the regular season with five of the last seven games at Lexington County Baseball Stadium.
This season, the top three teams in each division make the postseason. The division champion will face the winner of a one-game playoff between the second and third-place teams.
Before embarking on this important stretch, the Blowfish celebrated its 20-year history on Saturday. Former players and coaches of the past returned to Lexington County Baseball Stadium for the Alumni Game.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since we bought the CPL expansion franchise in late 2005,” Bill Shanahan said. “We had a great run in Columbia at historic Capital City Stadium for nine years, but then we saw it was time to look at Lexington County Baseball Stadium to become our new and permanent home for the Blowfish.”
The Alumni came away with the 8-2 win over the current Blowfish in a 7-inning exhibition. Former Gilbert state champion catcher Ashby Vining, who also played on the 2023 Petitt Cup title-winner, drove in three runs.
The Blowfish also celebrated its mascot’s 20th birthday. Surrounded by several fellow in-state mascots, including Cocky the Gamecock, RB the Gator, Olly the Otter, and the Clemson Tiger, Blowie was bestowed with birthday wishes and threw out the first pitch.
The state and Southeast region champion Imo Little League Intermediate baseball team was also recognized at the Alumni game. They are scheduled to play in the Little League Intermediate World Series in Livermore, Calif., starting July 27.
LEXINGTON COUNTY BLOWFISH SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
THURSDAY – MACON BACON 7:05 p.m.
SATURDAY – ASHEBORO ZOOKEEPERS 7:05 p.m.
MONDAY – HOLLY SPRINGS SALAMANDERS 7:05 p.m.
WEDNESDAY – MARTINSVILLE MUSTANGS 7:05 p.m.