JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The high school softball playoffs are off and running, with the area’s top teams all moving on.
Baldwin, Episcopal and West Nassau all won in the ultra-competitive Region 1-3A, rolling to opening round wins. Defending Class 2A state champ University Christian scored 19 runs in the second inning en route to a 21-2 romp over St. Joseph in three innings. Trinity Christian and Providence also rolled to mercy rule wins in Region 1-2A.
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Wednesday marked the first of two nights in the opening round of the playoffs. Teams in Classes 1A, 5A, 6A and 7A play their openers on Thursday.
In 1-3A, Grace Jones whiffed 10 and Episcopal (24-3) broke things open with a four-run fifth inning in a 10-0 win over Keystone Heights. The Eagles move on to host West Nassau, which got three hits from Reese Green and a pair of RBI from Sydney English to handle Suwannee 6-2.
Super 6 No. 1 Baldwin got homers from Jazmine Ramos-Merced and Cal Hartung to beat Palatka 8-2. Shaylen Byrd whiffed seven for the Indians (27-1), who have been on a collision course with either Episcopal or West Nassau for a spot in the state semifinals. Baldwin will host Marianna on Tuesday.
UC got homers from Jaleigha Harris and Sophia Kardatzke as part of a 10 extra-base hit game to cruise past St. Joseph. The Christian will host Trinity Christian on Tuesday. The Conquerors got a homer from Jordyn Lasater, and multi-RBI games from four other players to roll over St. Johns Country Day 15-0. Madelyn Lasater struck out six and fired a one-hitter in the circle for Trinity.
In Region 1-4A, Baker County topped Yulee 7-2 in Region 1-4A and gets to stay home for Tuesday’s second round clash against South Walton. Chloe Johnson drove in three runs with a double and Baleigh Shields went 3 for 4 to lead the Wildcats attack. Chloe Woods and Rylee Walker combined to strikeout 10 in the circle.
Wednesday’s results
Regional quarterfinals
Region 1-4A
(1) Wakulla 10, (8) Menendez 0
(5) Paxon (15-9) at (4) West Florida (16-11), late
(2) Baker County 7, (7) Yulee 2
Region 1-3A
(8) Palatka (11-15) at (1) Baldwin (26-1)
(2) Episcopal 10, (7) Keystone Heights 0
(3) West Nassau 6, (6) Suwannee 2
Region 1-2A
(1) University Christian 21, (8) St. Joseph 2
(4) Trinity Christian 15, (5) St. Johns Country Day 0
(2) Providence 16, (7) Countryside Christian 5
Tuesday’s games
Regional semifinals
Region 1-4A
(6) South Walton (10-10) at (2) Baker County (18-5)
Region 1-3A
(5) Marianna (17-8) at (1) Baldwin (27-1)
(3) West Nassau (17-8) at (2) Episcopal (24-3)
Region 1-2A
(4) Trinity Christian (9-12) at (1) University Christian (16-7)
(6) North Florida Christian (9-14) at (2) Providence (10-12)