The 2026 State Playoffs Are Here!

The regular season is complete. The road to a state title starts now.

Class 5A and 4A open postseason play on Monday, May 4. First pitch marks the start of a high pressure stretch where every pitch matters. Class 3A, 2A, and 1A follow on Tuesday, May 5 with first round matchups across the state.

Teams earned their spot through months of work. Now the margin for error is gone. Pitching staffs get tested. Lineups need quality at bats. Defense must hold up in big moments.

Early games will set the tone. Expect tight scores. Expect momentum swings. Expect players to step into bigger roles.

Below are notes and video highlights from standout performances during week 2.

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SCOUT BLOGS

Max Kniesche, 2027, 3B, Lucy Beckham

Physical kid at 6’2 who impacts the game on both sides. The Lucy Beckham leadoff hitter shows high intent in the box. Worked great counts in every AB and created hard contact on the pullside. Great rhythm and balance in the swing. Does a great job handling the inside part of the plate. Showed the ability to be a plus defender at the hot corner with some high IQ plays with runners on and not afraid to leave his feet to make a play. All-around great athlete. 

2027 IF Max Kniesche @MaxKniesche @Bengal_Baseball

Pulls this pitch down the line for a leadoff 2B. Comes around to score later in the inning. 1-0 Lucy Beckham after 1.#SCHSLPlayoffs26 #PBSCisThere pic.twitter.com/FFAX3pxAUQ

— Prep Baseball South Carolina (@PrepBaseball_SC) May 9, 2026

Sam Dielmann, 2026, Pitcher, Lucy Beckham

The Anderson Univ signee got the ball for his club Saturday and did his job. Commanded 3 pitches for strikes all afternoon and picked up 7Ks in 5.2 innings. Worked around traffic well against a scrappy NMB team that puts pressure on you in many different ways. He controls the run game well and fields his position at a high level. High pitch ability factor for the senior righty as he tunnels his pitches well with a FB that stays up in the zone and was able to show a cutter and BB. FB velo was 86-88 for majority of the game but grabbed two 89s in the middle part of the outing. Strong kid at 6’2 215 that gets into his lower half well and has consistent mechanics. 

2026 RHP Sam Dielmann@Bengal_Baseball @sam_dielmann17

Good look at the @AUTrojansbsbl signee. 5 Ks in 3 efficient innings so far. Works around traffic well. Great command of all 3 pitches.

FB: 86-88 T89 x2 (ride)
SL: 73-76
CT: 77-80#PBSCisThere pic.twitter.com/P9sy3WNJOt

— Prep Baseball South Carolina (@PrepBaseball_SC) May 9, 2026

Christian Spivey, 2027, 3B, Lexington