(Photo by S.C. American Legion)
By Thomas Grant Jr.
A S.C. American Legion baseball team was crowned state champion in Lexington County.
The Lexington Post 7 Junior AAA team won the S.C. American Legion title on July 19. They defeated Richland Post 215 Gold 7-4 in the final played at historic Riley Park.
The victory completed a 11-1 season for Lexington, including a perfect 6-0 home record and 5-1 on the road. Post 7 also won the Midlands West Division by outscoring its opponents 79-27.
That run differential reflected the balance that defined Lexington throughout the summer. The Post 7 offense consistently created opportunities, while its pitching and defense limited opponents and kept the team in control of games.
Lexington entered the postseason having won nine of its previous 10 contests and owning one of the strongest records in the entire Junior AAA Division. It closed the tournament with two wins over Richland in a battle of Midlands champions of the West and East, respectively.
The championship roster included Tanner Johnson, Jamison Rawl, Harper Wooten, Jake Spires, Walker Crumpton, Cannon Britt, Landon Yonce, DJ Jennings, Kelsyn Felton, Hudson Collins, Colton Duffy, Mason Donahue, Ira Bell, Kendall Moorer, David Lillie IV, Isaiah McLendon, Charles “Chase” Rice, Logan Taylor, Brooks Weaver, Hunter Britt and Cayden Day.
The roster drew heavily from Gilbert High School while also including players from Lexington High School, River Bluff High School, the South Carolina Virtual Charter School and the homeschool community. That combination allowed Post 7 to bring together talented players from across the Lexington area under one American Legion program.
Lexington was led by team manager Scott Taylor, who guided the team through the regular season.
