By Thomas Grant Jr.
Defending Class 4A champion Airport has continued its winning ways from last season.
After finishing last year with nine straight wins, including an 8-0 record in the playoffs, the Eagles are off to a 6-0 start this season. They have posted victories over ranked Class 5A teams Summerville and Dutch Fork and opened Region 5-5A play Tuesday at Aiken.
Meanwhile, archrival Brookland-Cayce had a 3-2 record entering Tuesday’s region opener against South Aiken. The Bearcats’ lone losses have come at the hands of Hillcrest (14-3) and Dutch Fork (13-3).
Friday’s loss to the Silver Foxes was the culmination of two straight rainouts. Head coach Matt Kline used it as game to “experiment” with players at different positions.
Despite the loss, he’s pleased with his team’s overall play early in the season.
“We know our region’s tough,” Kline said. “We knew that last year coming in. I think our region’s gotten better from top to bottom all the way through. So, we know that we’re going to have to execute baseball at all three levels. We’ve got to pitch it well, play clean defense manufacture runs.
“We know everything we step on a baseball field; we’re going against a great squad with great coaches and we know the standard that needs to be set for us to have winning baseball and we’re ready for the challenges.”
Maddux Medeiros pitched three innings against Dutch Fork and allowed five runs. Kline said he’s been a solid “two-way” player for the Bearcats early in the season.
He and Paiden Mergo are expected to provide a “big bat” and solid pitching on the mound. Catcher Sam Koon is described by Koon as a “warrior” behind the plate who works every inning and Bennett Plane provides a strong leadoff hitter.
With players with 2-3 years of experience, Plane is expecting them to “take that jump” as varsity players.
GCA seeking new baseball coach
After five games, Gray Collegiate Academy is seeking a new head baseball coach.
The school released an advertisement for the position last Friday on its Facebook page. Matthew Hornsby was the head coach last seasons for the War Eagles after succeeding Charles Assey Sr.
Athletics director Kevin Heise started accepting resumes last Friday to his email ([email protected]).
Gray Collegiate Academy was 3-2 heading into Wednesday’s Region 5-5A opener at Midland Valley.
