Round 2 Baseball/Softball Predictions
#1 Seed (22-0) Greene Central vs #16 Seed (15-6) South Lenoir
Location: Greene Central
Greene Central wins if:
The Rams are a powerhouse, having truly earned that title after defeating big-time baseball schools like South Central, North Lenoir, and Croatan. GC is a senior-heavy team with six seniors in the lineup who bring extensive experience. With a complete batting lineup, no weak spots on defense, and superb pitching, the Rams should win if they do not overlook South Lenoir.
South Lenoir wins if:
South Lenoir is dangerous, as demonstrated in both games against North Lenoir, where one went down to the wire and they won the next 2-0. This team has big bats, an ace pitcher in Matthew Rhodes (who I assume will be pitching after throwing limited pitches in round 1), and two senior leaders in Adam McDonald and Braxton Byrd who are not ready for it to end here. South Lenoir wins by playing mistake-free baseball and getting the bats going.
My prediction:
This game is going to be PACKED! Two of the most community-supported teams I have covered. South Lenoir is 5-6 on the road this season; however, throw that record out the window, as this will be an electric atmosphere with tons of fan support on BOTH sides. The Rams cannot overlook the Blue Devils, and I think they won’t. I expect an intense battle, but I see the Rams pulling away and securing the game in the later innings.
#3 Seed (19-4) North Lenoir vs #14 seed Ayden Grifton
Location: North Lenoir
North Lenoir wins if :
The Hawks are a very good baseball team and have had a great season so far. With a 10-2 record at home and a packed house almost every night, it will be hard for anyone to come into The Swamp and knock off the Hawks. The Hawks will win if their pitching is dialed in and their bats are squaring up baseballs.
Ayden Grifton wins IF:
Ayden-Grifton is a streaky but tough veteran team. AG wins if they are able to control North Lenoir's big bats. If AG can slow down North Lenoir’s power hitters, watch out.
My Prediction:
This is deja vu. Rematch of last years second round matchup in The Swamp and IT WAS LIT. Both teams fought to the end with NL coming out on top 6-5. Both of these teams have some star senior leaders, Blake Crawford and Jackson Jenkins will no doubt be locked in and have their teammates ready. Prepare for a battle here but I like the Hawks pitching and hitting a little bit more than the Chargers. The Hawks have 9 of their 13 homeruns in The Swamp. With a deep pitching rotation and big hitters I expect the Hawks to pull out on top.
#1W Seed (16-2) Faith Christian vs #2E (17-3) Bethel Christian Academy
Location: Wilson Christian
Faith Christian will win IF:
Faith is a very good team that has had a very good season so far. With four seniors on the team, this team is not ready to end the season now. Faith Christian wins if their pitching has a lights-out game.
Bethel Christian will win IF:
This team has played its heart out all season long. With only one win away from a state championship appearance, this team has to come to play today. If the Trojans lock in on defense and play mistake-free baseball, they will win.
Prediction:
Bethel Christian has won 15 of their last 16 games, outscoring their opponents 164-42! The Trojans are on fire and on a mission. No doubt the Trojans have to stay locked and play good baseball, but I believe BCA wins off their pitching and timely hits!
#6 Seed (14-5) South Lenoir vs #22 Seed (9-13) Whiteville
Location: Deep Run
South Lenoir wins IF:
The Lady Blue Devils are rolling. They are supposed to win this game considering the #6 seed vs #22 seed. I think if South Lenoir just goes out and plays their game and keeps high energy, they will win. Can’t overlook anyone in the playoffs.
Whiteville wins IF:
For Whiteville to win this game, a lot of unlucky things have to happen. Their pitcher has to have the best day of her life, and you have to pray South Lenoir forgets how to hit the ball.
Predictions:
By no means am I overlooking Whiteville, nor do I want the Lady Blue Devils to overlook Whiteville. No matter the opponent, they have to go out for blood! This Whiteville team had a fortunate first-round matchup in a flawed NCHSAA bracketing system with (2-13) Franklin Academy. South Lenoir is a very good team that is battle-tested and will come out and dominate this game. Blue Devils by 10.
(16-1) Bethel Christian Academy vs (8-9) Union Groove
Location: Wilson Christian
Bethel wins IF:
This is big-time softball for the Lady Trojans. They have what it takes to defeat anyone, but this is a very young team. As long as this team does not let the moment get bigger than themselves, they can win this game by going out and competing.
Union Grove will win IF:
To be honest, I do not know much about this team; however, for Union Grove to defeat BCA, they will have to slow down freshman sensation Suzanne Rouse.
Predictions:
These girls are young, but I think they are prepared! They have been playing great this season, and I do think this will be a competitive game, but I've got the Trojans coming out on top!
Attention all local sports enthusiasts! Do you have insider information on your favorite local sports team? Submit to The Score below and let our team of experts bring it to life. Don't miss out on the chance to share what happened at your local sporting event - submit now and become part of the story!
Neuse News Sports is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to cover all schools, all sports, and all athletes in Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties.
We provide this free sports news by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local sports news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News Sports with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
