Round 1 Recap:

The Yellow Jackets cruised to victory in their first game of the NCHSAA playoffs. Hayesville’s ace was on the mound and other than giving up just one extra-base hit in the game. Jeremy Stewart was nearly unhittable, especially as the game got later. In fact, Stewart struck out 10 out of the last 13 batters he faced in the game. Hayesville’s offense got off to a strong start scoring three runs in the first inning en route to 6 in the game. With Stewart holding Christ the King to just one run Hayesville’s offense provided plenty. 

Round 2 Matchup:

Cade Denton

Hayesville is taking the Mountain Island Charter Raptors in round 2 of the playoffs. The Raptors had a tough round 1 game that they had to come from behind to win. After giving up two first-inning runs the Raptors Tyler Crowe shut down North Stanly for the rest of the game. They chipped away at the lead 1 run at a time. Before finally scoring on a passed ball to win in a walk-off in the bottom of the seventh. Mountain Island only got three hits in the first round all coming from their leading hitter Cole Hart. Hart also scored all three of the Raptors runs in the game. 

Possible Pitcher Mountain Island: Edge to the Raptors

Tyler Crowe threw 74 pitches in the first round so that lets us know that he will not be eligible to pitch in this game. The same for Hayesville with Jeremy Stewart who threw 105 pitches will not be available. Ethan Suchenski pitched just one inning and threw only 14 pitches in round 1. The best bet would be Suchenski will be on the mound for the Raptors as he is second on the team in innings pitched. Suchenski could be the best pitcher Hayesville has seen this year. His fastball has been gunned topping out at 88. He also has a curveball/slider and changeup both in the low 70’s to round out his 3-pitch repertoire. 

Possible Pitcher Hayesville:

Hayesville is most likely to start one of two guys either Clayton Vandiver or Eli Roberts. Both have pitched really well at times this year. As well both have struggled at times. I would anticipate both could pitch in this game. It will be important for Hayesville’s defense to be strong behind them as neither pitcher are big strikeout guys.

Offensive outlook: Edge to the Yellow Jackets

Mountain Island is not super strong offensively with only 4 players batting over .300. While Hayesvilles has six players hitting over .300. The Raptors do have 8 home runs on the year so they boast a little power. Of course, Hayesville has start center field Connor Bradley who has 6 home runs on the year. As well the team has a total of 11 on the year. As well Hayesville averages 9.4 runs a game while the Raptors only score 6.5 a game.

Prediction: Hayesville wins 4-3

The Yellow Jackets have a stout top-of-the-lineup that is great a producing run. While the rest of the lineup has gotten timely hits in big spots all year. Lastly, the home-field advantage could end being a huge factor for Hayesville.