Baseball, softball struggling this spring
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Bennettsville - The 2025 season has been a rough ride for the baseball and softball teams at Marlboro County High.
With the top four teams in each region of Class AAA qualifying for the Lower State playoffs, both of Marlboro County’s teams are in jeopardy of not making the cut. Both need a strong finish in the remaining region 6-AAA games to earn their postseason opportunity.
The baseball team has been a regular in the postseason and was expected to be a top four team in the region this spring. As of April 7, the Bulldogs were 2-8 overall with three of those early losses by two runs or less.
Coach Ryan Pierce has mixed and matched his lineup this season, searching for the right combination of players that can yield success.
Senior Cam Hunt is arguably the top overall player on the roster as a shortstop and pitcher. Tristan Quick plays mostly third base and is another arm on the mound. Others who have seen time on the mound include Zach Hardee and Jameson Bradshaw. Hardee also does work defensively as a corner infielder.
Patrick Stubbs mans centerfield in most games while Layton Chavis handles most of the catching duties. Jayden Chavis plays second base while Ty Kickery, Tim Sloan and Landon Sweatt are working primarily in the outfield.
Justin Haithcock and Khalil Sloan have seen time as the designated hitter, and Greir Norris has spot time at first base. Rounding out the roster are RJ Hale, Coy Preston and Jake Sloan.
Entering the first full week of April, the Marlboro County softball team was 0-7 in region play and 3-13 overall. In recent years the Bulldogs have been region title contenders but have not been able the get it going this spring.
One player who is playing at a high level is sophomore shortstop Addison Skipper, who is hitting .618 with five homeruns and 15 runs batted in through 15 games.
Sophomore Ruthie Grooms hit .344 with nine RBI in the first 15 games while junior centerfielder Amir Bridges is hitting ,316 on the season.
Eighth-grader Kaylee Sweatt is hitting ,296 and senior Abby Quick is hitting .286.
