Florence junior team wins third straight state crown

The Florence Junior American Legion baseball team captured its third straight state championship Sunday with a 9-3 win over Marion in the championship game.

Adam Sylvester, making his first start of the season after rehabbing an injury, pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing just one hit and striking out 12.

Robert Lawhon hit a two-run homer in the second inning for Florence on the way to earning tournament MVP honors. Cam McRae had a two-out, bases-loaded single in the fifth to put the game out of reach.

Tyquan Black was named the most valuable pitcher for the tournament after going 2-0 with a complete-game win for Florence.

Florence (24-4) defeated Summerville 10-1 earlier in the semifinals to reach the championship game.

Ross White took the loss for Marion.