News Summary
Airport baseball has triumphed in the SCHSL 4A Lower State Championship, securing a 9-2 victory over South Florence. With this win, Airport advances to the state championship series after sweeping the Lower State series. The Eagles have showcased their strong postseason performance, currently holding an impressive 7-0 record. Key players like Hunter Epps and Brice Gillette delivered standout performances throughout the series, and excitement builds as the team prepares for the upcoming championship against Seneca.
Airport Baseball Clinches SCHSL 4A Lower State Championship
Airport has claimed the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) 4A Lower State Championship after securing a convincing 9-2 victory over South Florence on Thursday at Bruin Field. The win not only celebrated Airport’s prowess on the field but also paved the way for their advancement to the upcoming state championship series.
This decisive victory marked the conclusion of a best-of-three Class 4A Lower State Championship series, with Airport achieving a clean sweep. The Eagles are set to face Seneca in the state championship series beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Seneca, followed by game two at Airport on Thursday at 7 p.m. Should the teams need a third game, it is scheduled for May 31 at Seneca. This championship appearance will be a significant milestone for Airport, marking their first since 2018 and their fifth overall.
A Strong Postseason Performance
Currently, the Eagles boast an impressive postseason record of 7-0 and have outscored their opponents 13-3 during the Lower State series. The standout of the game was pitcher Hunter Epps, who threw a complete game, his third playoff win, giving up just one earned run on five hits while striking out four batters and not allowing any walks. In addition to his performance in game two, Epps also recorded a save in the series opener on Monday.
The Airport pitching lineup, which consists of Epps alongside fellow pitchers Cash Epps and Brice Gillette, has proven to be formidable throughout the playoffs. In the crucial game two, Gillette delivered a powerful blow to the South Florence team by hitting a grand slam in the seventh inning. Furthermore, Landon Jeffcoat showcased his skills with two hits and two runs batted in (RBIs), while Justin Sightler added a hit and an RBI to the team’s efforts.
Game Highlights
Setting the tone early in the game, Airport jumped to a lead of 3-0 in the first inning, with Jeffcoat hitting a two-run double and Braden Gross contributing an RBI. The Eagles continued their offensive onslaught, extending the lead to 5-0 by the fourth inning thanks to another RBI by Sightler. South Florence did manage to score two runs later in the game, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Despite the outcome, South Florence’s coach acknowledged the Eagles’ excellence in both pitching and timely hitting during the matchup. The loss marked the end of South Florence’s season, which concluded with a commendable 20 wins over the course of the year.
Looking Ahead
With Airport’s advancement to the state championship series, excitement and anticipation are building within the community. The Eagles’ strong performances this postseason, combined with their impressive pitching staff and key players stepping up when it matters most, place them in a strong position as they prepare to face their upcoming opponents.
As the state championship series approaches, fans, players, and coaches alike are eager to see if the Eagles can continue their winning streak and bring home a championship title.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Florence Bruins Advance to SCHSL 4A Lower State Finals
Additional Resources
- The State: Airport Baseball Clinches SCHSL 4A Lower State Championship
- SC Now: High School Baseball News
- The State: Airport Eagles Baseball Update
- Google Search: South Carolina High School Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
