News Summary
In a decisive game, the Berkeley Stags triumphed over the West Florence Knights with an 8-0 victory in the SCHSL 5A, D2 Lower State finals. The match showcased the Stags’ offensive strength, particularly during a five-run third inning, while also marking the end of the Knights’ nine-game winning streak. Berkeley’s strong pitching by Gavin Gaskins and Hunter Morris contributed to the success, as they prepare for Game 2 of the series at Berkeley High School.
Florence, South Carolina – The Berkeley Stags delivered a commanding performance against the West Florence Knights, earning an impressive 8-0 victory in Game 1 of the SCHSL 5A, D2 Lower State finals. The match was held at Knight Field and marked the beginning of a crucial best-of-three series in the state championship playoffs.
With this win, the Stags not only showcased their dominance on the field but also snapped West Florence’s remarkable nine-game winning streak. This loss brings the Knights’ season record to 21-5, while Berkeley improves to 19-10, building on their recent momentum, having won nine of their last 11 games.
The game highlighted Berkeley’s early offensive prowess, as they looked strong from the outset. A pivotal moment came during the third inning, where the Stags managed to score five runs, significantly widening their lead. Berkeley’s pitching proved formidable throughout the match, with both Gavin Gaskins and Hunter Morris delivering strong performances. Gaskins pitched 4.2 innings, allowed only four hits, and tallied three strikeouts, while Morris closed the game with 2.1 innings of work, giving up three hits and striking out one batter.
Offensively, Berkeley exhibited a clean performance with a total of eight hits. Leading the charge was Hudson Clark, who hit a solo home run and contributed to the team’s momentum by scoring three runs. Other significant contributions came from teammates Henry Rivers and Ryan Richardson, both of whom played vital roles in the Stags’ scoring runs. In contrast, West Florence struggled, committing three errors that hindered their performance.
This defeat was particularly unexpected for the Knights, as they had not been shut out since early April. The loss puts them in a challenging position as they look to rebound in Game 2. The next game is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley High School, where the Knights will need to regroup and strategize to prevent elimination from the finals.
The significance of this series is underscored by Berkeley’s recent achievements. The Stags entered the series after winning their district championship, propelling them with confidence and vigor. As they prepare for the second game, the challenge remains for West Florence to adapt and overcome the setbacks experienced in the first match, as both teams vie for a chance to advance further in the championship series.
As the series progresses, the performance of both teams will be critically watched, with the outcome of Game 2 expected to shape the direction of the finals. Fans and players alike will be looking for a spirited response from West Florence following their unexpected defeat, while Berkeley aims to continue their dominance and secure a place in the final game once again.
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Additional Resources
- SCNOW: High School Baseball Collection
- MaxPreps: West Florence’s Winning Streak Ends
- HSSR: Berkeley Advances in Baseball Series
- Wikipedia: High School Baseball
- MaxPreps: Berkeley vs. West Florence Game Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- The State: High School Sports Articles
- Google News: High School Baseball
- Greenville Online: SC High School Football Playoffs
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
