[Mr. D]

JCHS wins their second consecutive district title against the Tigers. Paintsville was in control the first 5 innings, but JC was able to battle back in the 6th/7th to send this into extra innings. Bryaden Shepherd led off the bottom of the 8th with a double they bunted him over to 3rd and Chase Preece was able to hit a grounder with just enough that it made the short stop have to dive and throw from his back. Shepherd crossed the plate to win the district for the Golden Eagles. 

I have to say I am very impressed with what Tommy McCormick has been able to accomplish as such a young coach at Paintsville. I think a lot of us assumed he would have to take his lumps going up against such an experienced and accomplished coach as Shawn Hall, but he has more than held his own. The Tigers are always well coached and ready to play in these big games. Both of these teams have the tools to go deep this year in the 15th but just like every year the draw is incredibility important. If Paintsville can save Kincheloe a round or two they will be set up nicely. If JC can save Montgomery that will give them their best chance.

[Hailtheville]

McCormick has no clue. I’ve watched this tiger bunch for the past 4 years and they are just talented. McCormick gets out coached in every close game I’ve seen them play. U still got to beat my panthers when we have duty pitching. Next year I see no one beating the tigers. But I hear there is alit of rumbling going on in Paintsville. A bunch of the parents are not happy with the coach and want him gone. If they do t hire him back you will have a lot of coaches applying to coach that talent.

[2000PHS]

Bold assumption(s) that Pikeville uses Duty in the 2nd round.

[jetpilot]

Bold assumption(s) that Pikeville uses Duty in the 2nd round.

Was just going to post that. If Paintsville and LC use their 1s in the first round I wouldn't think Pikeville would throw Duty against their 2s or 3s in the semis. Lots of ways to play it in the upper bracket. Very interesting. Somebody will gamble and save their pitching IMO.

[Mr. D]

Bold assumption(s) that Pikeville uses Duty in the 2nd round.

Was just going to post that. If Paintsville and LC use their 1s in the first round I wouldn't think Pikeville would throw Duty against their 2s or 3s in the semis. Lots of ways to play it in the upper bracket. Very interesting. Somebody will gamble and save their pitching IMO.

That is a totally fair point. I could definitely see Pikeville trying to save Duty for the finals. That's where I think baseball is more interesting than basketball. If you use your ace in the first game he is burned for the rest of the week. If you gamble and save pitching you could lose in the first or second round and your ace never got a chance to throw. I am more of a gambler in these situations. The goal is to win 3 games and you are going to have to take risks to get there. 

If Paintsville or Lawrence can survive the first two rounds they go into the championship probably at best using their 3 but more than likely 4 or 5 by the point.

[jetpilot]

Bold assumption(s) that Pikeville uses Duty in the 2nd round.

Was just going to post that. If Paintsville and LC use their 1s in the first round I wouldn't think Pikeville would throw Duty against their 2s or 3s in the semis. Lots of ways to play it in the upper bracket. Very interesting. Somebody will gamble and save their pitching IMO.

That is a totally fair point. I could definitely see Pikeville trying to save Duty for the finals. That's where I think baseball is more interesting than basketball. If you use your ace in the first game he is burned for the rest of the week. If you gamble and save pitching you could lose in the first or second round and your ace never got a chance to throw. I am more of a gambler in these situations. The goal is to win 3 games and you are going to have to take risks to get there. 

If Paintsville or Lawrence can survive the first two rounds they go into the championship probably at best using their 3 but more than likely 4 or 5 by the point.

Yes, Paintsville and LC's draws were brutal to say the least. But Pikeville will have to face Belfry's #1 most likely and that will be no picnic. Also JC got the best possible draw but SV, PC and FC are all capable of upsetting them, especially their 1s vs JC's 2, 3 and 4s. Wide open tournament, no game is a given and I wouldn't be surprised to see an upset or two.

[2000PHS]

I could see Pikeville using Duty as a closer in rounds 1& 2 while also keeping him available for the next game. I’m not up to speed on the pitch count rules enough to speak intelligently about the strategy.