By Thomas Grant Jr.
barrage of runs and funds to support local farming in highlighted the latest homestand by the Lexington County Blowfish.
The Blowfish went 3-1 overall, 2-1 in Coastal Plain League play, at Lexington County Baseball Stadium.
It started with a dramatic 11-10 victory over High Point-Thomasville. Down 10-4 in the Bottom 8th, Emory Guilford started the comeback with a double and scored after Mason Holton followed with a similar hit.
A third consecutive double by Drew Buchanon prompted a pitching change for the Hi-Toms. Beau Ruey proceeded to connect with a home run over the rightfield wall to cut the deficit to 10-8.
After Brookland-Cayce graduate Parker Mergo reached base after getting hit, Braydon Hallman of Batesburg-Leesville drew a walk. A fielder’s choice allowed Jake Pereira to reach first and Mergo advance to third base.
Mergo scored on a double steal to make it 10-9. Following a walk by Dutch Fork graduate Blake Martin, he forced a throwing error into the outfield by catcher Carson Cabbage that allowed Pereira to score the tying run.
Martin advanced to third base on the error and scored the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly by Alex LaCoste.
Lexington County was unable to rally Thursday in a 9-6 loss to Forest City. The Owls connected on four home runs, while the Blowfish got a pair of two-run dingers from LaCoste and Lexington High graduate and University of South Carolina redshirt freshman Brandon Cromer Jr.
It was a “split” doubleheader Friday as the “Cowfish” made their “debut”. This was part of a 2-day promotion in partnership with the Lexington County Farm Bureau in which the team adopted bold black-and-white cow print jerseys with the names of produce made locally placed on the back.
An online auction was taking place up until 9 p.m. Saturday. It raised $4,000 for the bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher Program which looks to support members ages 18-35 in pursuit of their career in the field.
“Our annual ‘Home Grown-Home Run Weekend’ is always a special tradition, but seeing the community rally around these unique ‘Cowfish’ jerseys was truly spectacular,” Lexington County co-owner Bill Shanahan said. “Lexington County has a deep agricultural heritage, and we are incredibly proud to partner with the Lexington County Farm Bureau to celebrate our local farming roots.
“Raising $4,000 through this jersey auction allows them to directly invest in the future of our community by supporting the Young Farmer and Rancher program. It is a win for our fans, a win for the team, and most importantly, a win for the next generation of local agriculture.”
While the Cowfish defeated the Catawba Valley Stars at home, the Blowfish were shut out 6-0 by the Boone Bigfoot on the road.
The Cowfish returned the favor Saturday at the expense of the Macon Bacon. Pitcher Kyle Shock struck out six batters and allowed just five hits in a 13-0 victory in seven innings.
Pereira went 4-4 with four RBI and LaCoste, Holden and Cooper Noble each drove in two runs to improve Lexington County to 4-3 on the season.
State Champion Chapin Baseball to be Recognized
The 2026 Class 5A Division I baseball champions from Chapin High School will be recognized during Monday’s game at Lexington County Baseball Stadium.
The Eagles secured their first state baseball title since 2018, capping off a championship run in their very first season under head coach Dell Lever. It was the 12th state championship in school history, second only to Bamberg-Erhhardt.
“We are looking forward to honoring Coach Lever and the entire Chapin Eagles team for this monumental achievement,” Shanahan said. “Chapin has a rich baseball tradition, and winning a 12th state title is an unbelievable feat. We invite the entire community to come out, wear their blue and gold, and give these champions the loud ovation they deserve.”
LEXINGTON COUNTY BLOWFISH SCHEDULE
THURSDAY – at Asheboro 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY – MACON 7:05 p.m.
SATURDAY – at Macon 7 p.m./KINGSMEN 7:05 p.m.
MONDAY – ASHEBORO 7:05 p.m.
WEDNESDAY – at Florence 7 p.m.
Photo by Lexington County Blowfish
Photo by Lexington County Blowfish