Intriguing First Round Games

Some of the best matchups this season may come in the very first round. Here's a few games that are worth seeing if you have the time and inkling to attend.

A.L. Brown vs Ragsdale
This is a matchup of two teams that can hit the ball. A.L. Brown has shown great offense all year. Ragsdale has some of the best seniors in the state in Hicks, Whited and junior Alex Sink. This game should be great fun. AL Brown is underclassmen led, but they have some great wins over quality competition. Should be a fun game to watch.

Ashbrook vs T.C. Roberson
Last year's champ wants to prove they can repeat. This is another matchup of 2 great hitting teams. It remains to be seen if the pitching for either team can shut down the other. Another great game.

Riverside vs East Forsyth
Riverside is on a roll and East Forsyth is a dangerously good team. More of a pitchers duel, Riverside has one of the very best players in the state in Lee Land. Ryan Basham should start for East Forsyth.

South Caldwell vs East Meck
Two great teams that are well balanced in possibly the best 1st round game in the state at any level. Either team could go far in the playoffs...luck of the draw has them facing each other in the first round. Both teams are deep and talented.

Hopewell vs Myers Park
The best team in the SW4A versus the most dangerous team in the Meca 8. Both teams can beat anyone .... it remains to be seen which team is ready for the game. This one has one of the most intriguing first round pitching matchups: Robert Woodard (UNC-Signee) vs Andrew Cruse (USC-Signee). These two righties can throw gas and are great competitors. Should be a fun, low scoring game. The team that fields the cleanest will win.

 

Kannapolis at Ragsdale...

NCBBALLFAN, you talked me into it... I think I'll just ride up to Ragsdale tomorrow night to check this one out. And yes our Kannapolis "youngens" are looking forward to this one, but after 27 games, they're really not youngens anymore. Also, I'd like to mention that our few seniors have all capped off terrific seasons as leaders for this team (Smith, Petty and Mahre). Should be a lot of fun.

Btw, good luck to your boys in your own 4A first round game...

 

Eastern Half Games

Wakeforest-Rolesville vs Green Hope
This is probably the best 1st round game in 4A out in the east. These two teams are closely matched and it should be a great contest. Green Hope played into saturday, so their pitching may be suspect for tuesdays game.

West Brunswick vs CB Aycock
This is another game where it's unfortunate for the two contestants to be facing each other so early. Both are capable of fairly deep runs in the playoffs.

 

Eastern observations on the 1st round.

Sure there are several other interesting first round match-ups, but here's a little something to nibble on.

1A
Topsail at Camden -- how'd you like to win your league and be rewarded with Topsail coming in to town?

Midway at Farmville Central -- FC makes is for 1st time in 19 years, must host a Midway program that is there every year. Will experience be a factor? It usually is.

2A
E.Duplin at S.Columbus -- wonder if these teams will put on the pads & play some smashmouth style ball -- that's what they do in the fall. If Houston pitches for ED, they're tough.

W.Bladen at Pasquotank -- think these two played extras last year in 1st round in Bladen county. Two quality programs.

E.Columbus at E.Carteret -- E.Columbus is obviously hot, winning they're tourney to get in. It's REAL tough to win in Beaufort.

SW Edgecombe at S.Granville -- OK, SW probably hasn't faced a Harrison-type guy all year, but a Bruce Rhodes coached team is gonna be fundamentally sound and the best "bunters" you've ever seen. Plus, the Northern Carolina is comparatively weak next to the Eastern Plains. Not calling for an upset, but it could be a good game.

Randleman at Greene Central -- Randleman welcome to the "holy land" of eastern NC 2A baseball (the GC Rams are always good, especially in post season play). Greene Central meet Mr. Matt McSwain.


3A
Aycock at W.Brunswick -- Aycock has one of the best 1-2 punches off the bump around (Wooten and Sasser). WB has been holding their own versus the 4A powers of the Mideastern all spring. The gloves are sure to be off. (may be the best 1st round game )

So.Wayne at Manteo -- SW had to win a play-in to be here, and they play in a TOUGH league. Manteo's conf is not quite as demanding. Manteo has Defago and Daniels. Upside for SW, they get to play at Tillet Field (always a pleasure).


4A
Richmond at Fuquay -- Richmond will be pumped no doubt as this is Coach Yarborough's last go round. Downside, they have to get through the "juggernaut" of DI arms and hitters.

Garner at Scotland -- Congratulations, Scotland for winning your conference. Oh yeah, not sure if you will be facing Hempy or Stanley though. WOW!

 

Nuf ... great post !!!!!!

 

NC and Nuff...:applause: Great job!!!

 

Arik will be on the bump Tuesday at Scotland County.

 

Scotland may have run roughshod over the MSE, but they DEFINITELY have their work cut out for them tomorrow.....

This should be a GREAT game.

 

You guys have great range! Awesome reports! Good Luck to the all the schools!

 

Awesome job guys. Now the only problem is figuring out how to make them all. Lets see, if I start here, hmmmm, catch the 1st inning, then hop down the road and catch the 2nd here.....hmmmmm....dang, this is complicated

On a serious note, anyone have anything on North Rowan? Mount Pleasant has them in the first rd, and I haven't seen anything on here about them. Anyone got a heads up on their record, players to keep an eye out for? Just curious so I can be a well-informed fan out there.

Thanks, and again, keep up this good work!! Sure would like to see that FV-Richmond game.