Photo by Thomas Grant, Jr.
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Airport finds itself in a first-place battle with Gilbert for first place in Region 4-4A.
The two teams are tied for the top spot with the Eagles (16-2, 11-1) having two region games left with Brookland-Cayce Monday and Thursday. The Indians’ remaining region games are against Gray Collegiate Tuesday and Thursday.
In preparation for the home stretch, Airport competed in the Forest Acres Classic at A.C. Flora High School. It opened up against Class 5A River Bluff.
The Eagles jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Landon Jeffcoat reached base on an RBI fielder’s choice and Hunter Epps scored off a wild pitch.
The Gators loaded the bases in the bottom half of the inning. After a Walker Godwin sacrifice fly, Dominick Norton followed with a 2-run single to make it 3-2.
River Bluff extended its lead to 5-2 with an RBI single by Tripp Hutto and RBI double by Banks Alexander.
A dropped ball in centerfield enabled the Eagles to pick up a run in the Top 5th. Starter Dalton Corley, who struck out nine batters in six innings and reliever Walker Godwin then retired the last seven batters in order.
On Tuesday, Airport found itself down 2-0 to Hammond through 5 ½ innings. In the 6th Bottom, Isahia Clemons drew a leadoff walk and scored on a Sundiata Anderson’s double.
The Skyhawks added a run in the Top 7th. Airport began its comeback with back-to-back singles by Brayden Dunlap and Brice Gillette.
After Jeffcoat loaded the bases with a walk, Justin Slightler hit into an RBI groundout to cut the deficit to 3-2. This brought Clemons to the plate and facing a 2-2 count hit a walk off 2-run single for the 4-3 win.
Airport next faced host school A.C. Flora Wednesday.
SOFTBALL
Airport snapped a 3-game losing streak with a 14-0 win over archrival Brookland-Cayce.
Newberry signee Avery Ingram accounted for five RBI off two home runs in an 8-run first inning. She led off with a solo home run, then returned to the plate in the same inning and cleared the bases with a grand slam.
Aydan Vaughn had two hits and four RBI and Addie Maynor struck out six for the win.
When play resumes after Spring Break, a first-place showdown is set at Gilbert between the Lady Indians and Gray Collegiate. The Lady War Eagles can clinch the region with a victory.
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