Indians post 3-1 mark at Southern Classic

The Gaffney High baseball team created a buzz at the Southeastern Baseball Classic Tournament again.

A year after capturing the tournament championship, the Indians finished with a 3-1 record by beating Robert E. Lee, 6-5, on Saturday.

The Indians' lone loss was to host Hartsville in the tourney opener last Thursday.

"We went 3-1 and we could've given Hartsville a better game but we were so tired," Gaffney coach Tom Owens said.

Justin Sarratt and Brett Irvin, the surprise starter against Robert E. Lee, were named to the all-tournament team. It was Irvin's first start of the season.

"We didn't have any other pitchers left," Owens said.

Irvin helped himself with a single in the bottom of the sixth that tied the game at 5.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Indians loaded the bases with one out. Shane Mills was attempting to suicide squeeze when the pitcher unleashed a wild pitch that deflected off the catcher's glove, sending the game-winning run home.

Irvin went five innings. He was relieved by Jake Watson in the sixth. Dylan Jolley finally retired the side in the sixth after replacing a struggling Watson. Sarratt pitched a scoreless seventh to pick up the win.

The Indians jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first and extended the cushion to three runs in the second. Robert E. Lee fought back to take the lead in the sixth.

Gaffney had an easier time in beating Greenville, 8-2, on Friday.

Sarratt, who was battling a stiff back, allowed just six hits and struck out four to get the win.

Gaffney scored two runs in the first before adding four more in the third. Irvin, Jolley and Justin Wilkins had RBI hits in the inning.

The Indians added two more runs in the sixth on Sarratt's double and an error.

Jordan Propst received a $2,000 college scholarship presented by the tournament.

"We wouldn't mind coming here again next year," Owens said.

Gaffney will begin the state Class 4A playoffs at home on Thursday.

It appears the Indians will host Greenwood in the district opener.