Top: Pitching Coach Matt Ribera, Dalton Mims, Parker Whittle, Dylan Crowley, CJ Czerwinski, Josh Topper, Carson Starnes, Crosby Jones, Head Coach Jonathan Johnson
Middle: Ricky Williams, Clayton Stewart, Brody Hopkins, Ward Hacklen, Price Alexander, Billy Amick, Tristan Bissetta, Robbie Jordan
Bottom: Asst. Coach Matt Bedenbaugh, Asst. Coach KC Brown, Brock Vradenburg, Aaron White, Caleb Oakley, Ryan Ouzts, Bat Boy Brayden Caton, Bat Boy Christopher Thompson
Not pictured: Braylin Marine, Hunter Steger, Austin Sandifer, Alex Urban, Josh Hernandez, Talmadge LeCroy, David Cromer, Michael Watson, Elijah Lambros, Ryan Brash, Bryan Kowalski, Beau Ross, Travis Elliott, Kam Dunlap, Blake Falor, Cole Mathis, Jared Kirven, Cam Dean, Trey Pooser, Joe LaFiora

 

By Thomas Grant Jr.

[email protected]

The 2022 baseball season finished on a very strong, positive note for the Lexington County Blowfish.

This season, the team experienced a 12-game losing streak before winning ts final four games and 10 of the last 11. After flirting with last place at one point, the Blowfish finished the second half with a 12-12 record in the Coastal Plain League West Division, tying them with High-Point Thomasville for fourth place.

For the second straight year, Lexington County was indeed in close striking distance to a possible Pettit Cup playoff berth. The 22-26 overall record placed it two games behind the Macon Bacon and the Hi-Toms for second place behind Savannah.

Since the Bananas won the division in both halves, the second place overall team out of the West would advance to the playoffs. The Bacon, which went 9-3 against the Blowfish, beat out High Point-Thomasville for the tiebreaker.

Among the on-field positives was the play of first baseman Brock Vradenburg. The Michigan State All-Star set a club record with his league-leading 48 RBI and 39 walks, was tied for second in the CPL in hits (57), tied in batting average (.344) and tied for first on the Blowfish with Crosby Jones in home runs (five).

On the mound, All-Star Carson Starnes was third in the league in ERA (3.45) and led the Blowfish with 40 strikeouts. He and Robbie Jordan were the only Lexington County players with three victories.

Pitcher Michael Watson had just five starts, but his final two appearances saw him allow just two home runs and strike out 14 in wins over Savannah and High Point-Thomasville.

Airport graduate Dalton Mims had the most appearances by a Lexington County pitcher with 15. He finished with a team-low 3.03 ERA to go with 28 strikeouts.

The end of the season also marked the close of the jersey online auction. The public had an opportunity to bid on the special public safety jerseys won this past season by the Blowfish as part of its salute to Lexington County.

By the conclusion of the auction, a total of $7.625 was raised with contributions going toward various services supported by the Blowfish.

CLICK HERE FOR FINAL PLAYER STATS