3A Playoffs

Predictions for upper part of bracket.

My predictions for the "upper part" of the 3A West bracket.

Mount Pleasant over South Rowan - From what I've heard, "Lefty" Dylan Walker gets the start for SR, however MP has a lot of "pop" from the rightside of the plate. The top 2 in the "Tigers" line-up find ways to get on base, then comes Burris, Atwood, Barrier and Allende any of which can hurt you. On the flipside, SR plays well in close games and MP seems to struggle in the tight ones. The "key" for SR is keep it close and not allow Atwood to come to the plate, with the "table" set, he is a clutch hitter and one of the best RBI producers in the SPC. The "key" for MP is stay away from #8!!! Don't let Maverick Miles beat you and trust me if they pitch to this guy, he will burn them.

* This would set-up a MP vs. ER match-up on Friday. This would be the chance to knock off ER, anything can happen in 1 game, however ER is the best team in the "West" and I look for them to advance.


Northwest Cabarrus over West Iredell - I'm assuming NWC will start "Lefty" Taylor West, a pitcher who would be #1 on a lot of teams. He throws strikes and stays ahead in the count and is hard to read for baserunners. I've heard the possibility of WI "ace" Laws could start on short rest, but I guess we we will have to wait and see. WI have won some big games against some really good teams and have quality pitching and can score runs. I have had the pleasure of watching many of their "kids" play in USSSA tournaments in the past. I think NWC has the advantage by playing at home, with WI making a bus ride of close to 1-1/2 hrs. The "Trojans" are also getting "hot" at the right time and their line-up is stacked, from top to bottom, anyone of these hitters can hurt you. Pitching is deep also, with Bain, West and Weston Smith giving them 3 excellent starters.

* This would set-up a NWC vs. Charlotte Catholic match-up on Friday. Although CC has Daniel Stewart and is a fine pitcher, I like Rob Bain and NWC in this one.

I've had the chance to see all of these teams this year, except West Iredell and these are 6 really good teams. It wouldn't surprise me to see 3 NPC teams advance to Friday, but I'm going with the 2 SPC teams, that ended tying for the SPC regular season title to win tonight at home. Good luck to all!

 

Whomever plays East Rowan on Friday, this is the concern......their entire pitching staff will be rested as they pitched sophmore Alex Bost last night. Bost was only pitching in his second game on varsity all year (the first was the NPC tourney championship). Thomas Allen (8-1 1.69 67k's), Parker Gobbel (8-0 2.26 55k's), Will Johnson (5-0 0.67 50k's) along with Bradley Robbins and Preston Troutman are all available. East is set up perfect for this game, but anything can happen.

Laws for West Iredell will be on 5 days rest so not exactly short. I do agree and think NWC is too strong, though. I think NWC will knock off CC and could be the team to knock off ER if anyone does. They are extremely hot right now.

 

got 7 out of 8 but i'll let someone else try the next round. too much pressure.

 

...yep, I learned my lesson the hard way. But you did a great job with it and I liked the way you broke them down

 

Northwest 12 West Iredell 2

NW gets an all around effort from the entire team tonight beating WI in 5 innings. Taylor West through complete game and was never challenged until the 5th. Our hats off to Kannapolis Head Coach Empsy Thompson and everyone at AL Brown on letting us use their field on such short notice. Hopefully the NW field will be in alot better condition on Friday as Charlotte Catholic comes to town.

 

If ER advances, they deserve it! I think they have the best coach in the state and I picked them to face NWC next week. Trust me don't take MP for granted, they have power from the right side and the ball carrries up there to LF.

 

thanks. Weyco2000 did a good job with the picks, calling that Mount Pleasant game. Looking forward to Friday's matchups.

 

I am surprised that Mount Pleasant isn't getting much love in the 3a playoffs. If i am not mistaken they went to the regional finals last year. I quess that is what coach Tyson wants, to stay under the radar. All they seem to do is win. They also have one of the most talented, underated,versatiled 2011 players in the state in AJ James. Don't sleep on these guys.

 

Where is AJ James playing his summer ball?

 

I have no

idea where and who AJ James is playing for this summer but he is a stud. He is a very talented player but what sets him apart for me is the fact he is a man. He holds himself accountable on the baseball field. He attacks the game and he plays it the right way. Whatever you ask AJ to do all you will hear is "Yes Sir." No one will ever be able to question this guys heart and his desire to do what it takes to win.

AJ can play anywhere and play it at a high level. He prides himself on having quality at bats and he can hit. He is just a tough kid who knows how to play the game. I guess you can tell I kind of like him. In a day where you get tired of watching some kids think that this game owes them something just find out where AJ is playing and its all good right then and there.

Who ever picks this young man up for the next level is going to be very happy they did. He's the kind of young man you want on your bus. He's the kind of young man you want in your dug out. And he is the kind of young man you want playing for you.