By Thomas Grant Jr.
The Airport baseball is a win away from its first state title appearance since 2019.
The Eagles defeated South Florence in Game One of the Best-of-Three Class 4A Lower State final.
Braydon Dunlap put Airport on the board in the Bottom 2nd with an RBI sacrifice fly. An error allowed Cooper Chavis to score to put the Eagles up 2-0.
In the fourth, Brice Gillette and Landon Jeffcoat drew consecutive walks. Braden Gross then singled home both runners as the Bruin outfielder misplayed the ball.
The Eagles’ third error of the game enabled South Florence to score on an RBI double by Khalon McGee in the fifth inning. Airport ended the game with its third double play and 30th of the season.
Cash Epps allowed three hits in 5 1/3 innings and older brother Hunter recorded the final four outs.
Game Two is set for Thursday in South Florence with Game Three (if necessary) back in West Columbia Saturday.
Airport advanced to the Lower State after sweeping the District C series with Gilbert. They won Game 1 10-1 on the road as Brice Gillette went 4-5 with four RBI and Justin Slightler went 2-4 with an RBI.
Airport closed out the series with a 11-1 home victory in six innings. This time, it was Sightler who drove in four runs, three on a double in a 7-run second inning, and Hunter Epps had a solo home run.
On the mound, Epps struck out four and allowed five hits for the victory.
AIRPORT SOFTBALL
The Lady Eagles’ playoff run ended with a 6-1 loss to May River on May 15.
Addie Maynor and Aydan Vaughn each had two hits and Macie McCracken drove in a run for Airport.
Avery Ingram was named to the South Carolina Coaches Association of Women’s Sports All-State softball team. She was joined by Gray Collegiate shortstop Aspen Boulware.
(Photos by Airport High School)
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