The Saluda High Tigers made history Tuesday night, rallying late for a thrilling 5-4 victory over rival Batesburg-Leesville to clinch the 2026 Region Championship — the program’s first region title since 2016 and just the second in school history.
In a game worthy of a championship, the Tigers showed resilience all night before delivering the deciding blow in the top of the seventh inning. With the score tied 4-4, Saluda capitalized on a Panthers error before Cash Martin lined a clutch single to center field, driving in the go-ahead run and giving the Tigers a lead they would not surrender.
Saluda struck first in the opening inning when a fielder’s choice brought home the game’s first run, but Batesburg-Leesville answered quickly, using a two-run home run and another run on a groundout to take a 3-1 advantage.
The Tigers battled back in the third, tying the game behind RBI efforts from Eduardo Dominguez and Abraham Del Valle. Batesburg-Leesville regained a 4-3 lead later in the inning, but Saluda stayed within striking distance and delivered its championship moment in the seventh.
On the mound, Cayden Rogers earned the win with a gritty effort, allowing just five hits and four runs — only one earned — while striking out four. Zac Costain came on to secure the save and close out the historic victory.
Saluda totaled nine hits offensively, with Bryson Burnett and Cash Martin collecting two hits apiece. Dominguez, Martin, and Del Valle each drove in runs, while Martin delivered the game-winning hit that sealed the title.
The victory marks a milestone moment for Saluda baseball, capturing the school’s second-ever region championship and the first in a decade.
