WEST COLUMBIA — After a tough opening-round loss to Pelion sent them to the elimination bracket, Blythewood 8U softball All-Stars surged back on May 31 with a 12-0 shutout over Gaston. The victory was fueled by a massive seven-run explosion in the second inning.
During that decisive rally, Leighton C., Channing C., Madison B., and Carrington C. each drove in runs with singles, while Maci C. cleared the bases with a two-run double. Blythewood’s offense was relentless from the start, following a first inning that saw RBI hits from Millie P., Paisley M., Channing, Madison, and Carrington.
The Blythewood lineup combined for 17 hits in the game, with Channing, Livi C., Carrington, Paisley, Millie, and Madison each recording multi-hit performances.
The game ended after the top of the third via mercy rule.
On June 1, Blythewood’s tournament run came to an end in a hard-fought 12-7 rematch against Pelion. Despite the loss, Millie P. turned in one of the tournament’s best individual offensive performances, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with three singles.
Blythewood managed to tie the game at three in the second inning following a single by Carrington C., but Pelion pulled away with a five-run surge in the bottom of the frame.
Livi C., Paisley M., and Madison B. each collected multiple hits in the final effort. The loss ended Blythewood’s tournament run. Pelion advanced and finished as District Runner Up to Midland.