Mt. Pleasant vs. East Rowan (Preview)

http://www.salisburypost.com/Sports/052110-East-baseball-preview-real

 

Mt.Pleasant has a very realistic chance of winning this game. This game has 2 of the best HS baseball coaches in this several-county area squaring off, both teams are fundamentally sound and play the game right. I notice the .350+ team batting average in the newspaper for East, but if East has a weakness (IMO) it would be the hitting. Maybe its because they are so dog gone strong on pitching and defense. East may not have THE BEST pitcher in the state, maybe not the best 2,,,,,,, but they DO HAVE the best 5 pitchers, they are just deep.

travisunc, not many teams can play their 3rd round playoff game tonight saying their ace hasn't thrown a single pitch in the playoffs yet, and yet they've only given up 1 run in 2 games. But it is a legitimate concern about the health of Thomas Allen. Last week in 2nd round, when it was still a 1-run game in the 4th inning, the other team got 2 runners on and 2 East pitchers went to the bullpen to warmup (one was Allen). Allen just stretched and never threw a pitch, didn't even have his glove. If you are not even considering bringing in your horse in that situation when its one and done, then there is legitimate concerns about his health. As good as the other 4 pitchers are, I beleive East needs Allen to win a state championship.

Mt.Pleasant may not have the quality of pitchers to match East, but MP plays solid defense and they are a very good hitting team. I believe MP has more power than East for sure. If MP gets that one big hit or 2, they can win this game.

East/MP is best game in Cab/Rowan area tonite,,,,,,,,, because NW Cabarrus is simply on a roll, as good as Catholic is, NW is just peaking at right time and should be too much offensively for CC. I've been saying that for 2 weeks now, but its true, NW is hitting 1-9, they have 2 great pitchers, and everyone's contributing. NW has mercy-ruled 2 straight opponents who had pretty decent pitching.

 

TJ,

I agree with everything you said. East can hit, but so many of their big boppers are underclassmen who have never been ask to contribute in this type of situation before. So many teams pitch around proven talent like Noah Holmes and Preston Troutman, one of the young guys is going to have to step up at the plate at some point if they are going to go deep in the playoffs. I think Allen will pitch tonight. He may not start, but if needed I would be shocked if he is not brought in the game. This game being at raucous Staton Field is a big advantage for the Mustangs.

Travis

 

I hope Allen is ok, I just know that when I saw him not warming up in a 1-0 game, I knew his injury was legit.

As for homefield advantage, ole Staton will be rockin, and they got my vote for having best hotdogs in the land,,,,,,,, but I don't see no homefield advantage tonight. Remember "2 best coaches in the area", MP coach Tyson has won big games for years down at Central Cabarrus and now MP, they went to 2A semifinals last year, he will have his MP boys ready. Fans should pay an extra dollar to see this one tonight.

I'll say this about East, that damn pitching and defense alone can take them all the way, its unbelievable how solid they are and truly fun to watch. But I've said since I first saw the pairings, that 3rd round is first time East will be tested,,,,,,,,, 3rd round is tonight.

 

Allen has a legitimate injury. I thought Hightower may just be giving him a break with that deep pitching staff, but I know he is receiving treatment. Hightower is not one to look past anyone, so if Allen is available in any capacity he will be used tonight.

I agree with the hotdogs. I may be crucified for saying this, but East has better hotdogs that Pinky's Joint at Newman Park. I thought that when I played and still believe it today. Sometimes East will have BBQ sandwiches as well. Good time at the park if that's the case!

My son has a game in Raleigh tonight, or I would be there. Hopefully they will extend the season tonight and I can make a game next week.

 

Sounds inviting.....how well does the field deal with rain? Trying to decide whether to drive up for the game.

 

Staton Field handles the rain very well. They have a tarp as well. If it is anywhere close to being able to be played on, Coach Hightower will have it ready.

 

good analysis on this thread

good insight.....like to see more of these elsewhere, instead of the name-calling and "my son can whup your son" stuff

 

Probably because it involves two baseball savvy guys with no vested interest in the game other than being fans of baseball.

 

Staton Field handles rain well, they will play this game if at all possible, they were one of the few games that played last Tuesday after that monsoon we had. Also seating immediately behind homeplate has grandstand with covered roof, although its not big so you better get their early to sit there, and be prepared to be surrounded by mouthy East fans. Did I say mouthy? I mean this section is into every pitch.

Would DEFINITELY recommend this game to any baseball fan.

Braves, come on up,,,,, between you and Countryboy, yall will not be disappointed in the dogs.

Blue-is-True,,, my sons are grown and done playing baseball, the good part about this old, is you truly can call'em like you see'em.