CUBS/INDIANS TO OPEN REGION FINALS, TONIGHT
The Brenham Cubs and Port Neches-Groves Indians are preparing for the next step on the road to the State Baseball Tournament.
The Cubs and Indians will battle in the Region III/5A Championship series, Wednesday and Friday in Huntsville.
The Cubs (26-9) enter the series off a come-from-behind series win over Crosby in the Semifinals. The Cougars run-ruled the Cubs 14-4 in the opener, only to see Brenham come back with two wins (9-4 and 3-2) Friday night at Firemen’s Park.
The Indians (30-8) fell to Tomball, 6-1 in their Semifinal opener, but rallied Saturday with wins of 5-1 and 2-0 to take the series two-to-one.
It was the third time in four playoff series that the Indians were forced to go three games. The Cubs have had to win two game-three battles to advance to the next round.
Pitching and defense have been a key for the Indians, having held their opponents to two or fewer runs seven times in 11 post-season games. The PN-G pitchers have thrown four shutouts in the playoffs.
Pitching has also been the key for the Cubs’ post-season run as they have gotten big performances from their three starters: Chandler Jozwiak (3-0), Eric Wellmann (2-1) and Dane Acker (1-1).
The Cubs’ offense has been strong at the top of the order with Darvis Watson (.455, 8 runs, 8 rbi in post-season); Jozwiak (.452, 5 rbi) and Pierce Weiss (.522, 7 rbi) leading the way.
The middle of the lineup has produced runs as well, with Zach Marshall (.333, 2 HR, 9 rbi) and Dane Acker (.500, 3 HR, 9 rbi).
Davion Lockett has anchored the lower part of the lineup (.320, 5 runs, 5 rbi).
Game one is set for tonight at 7:00 at Don Sanders Stadium. The game can be heard live on KWHI and www.kwhi.com beginning with the pre-game show at 6:30.
Game-two is scheduled for Friday night at 6:00 @ Sanders Stadium. Game-three, if necessary, will follow game-two by a half hour.
The winner will advance to the State UIL Semifinals, next Thursday at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.
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