Playoffs: 6A Region 4 Preview
May 18, 2017
PBR Texas Scout
San Antonio Johnson (24-8) vs San Antonio Reagan (24-8)
Game 1 – Thursday, May 18 @ Blossom Athletic Center, 7:30 PM
Game 2 – Friday, May 19 @ Blossom Athletic Center, 7:30 PM
Game 3 – Saturday, May 20 @ Blossom Athletic Center, 1:00 PM
Both teams come off hard-fought series' that went to a decisive third game.
Game 1
Both Johnson and Reagan had dominant starting pitching performances in Game 1 last week, setting up what could be gritty pitchers duel between 2017 LHP Richard Gilbert (Johnson HS) and 2018 LHP Cal Carver. Gilbert, a Texas Tech recruit, went the distance for Johnson last week, striking out eight in a five inning, run-rule victory. Cal Carver threw a seven inning shutout against Smithson Valley last week, he also tallied eight strikeouts.
Game 2
If the rotations stay true to form, expect to see 2017 LHP Ryan Day (Blinn CC commit) for Johnson, and 2018 RHP Josh Buske for Reagan.
Game 3
Should there be a need for a third game, pitching matchups will be determined by each team’s use of their bullpen arms. Johnson would likely start 2018 LHP Jaydan Martinez, while Reagan can turn to 2017 LHP Jake Hoggatt. Both pitchers started Game 3 of the last round, and earned the victories for their teams.
What To Watch For
Johnson HS
2017 SS Dalton Shuffield is the catalyst of Johnson offense from the leadoff spot. The Texas State recruit is a fast-twitch, all-around athlete that gives the Jaguar’s the opportunity to score early and often. He is explosive on the base paths and can really defend at shortstop.
Richard Gilbert’s impact is not just on the mound. The senior has swung the bat well this season.
2017 3B Derek Martinez is an offensive component in the middle of the lineup who tends to do the most damage for Johnson with runners on base.
Reagan HS
The potent combination of Hilton Brown and Cade Bormet at the top of the lineup and Porter Brown, Seth Marrow, and Cal Martin in the 6-7-8 spots allows for the lineup to turn over quickly for the Rattlers.
San Antonio Churchill (21-6-2) vs Lake Travis (26-4-1)
Game 1 – Friday, May 19 @ Dripping Springs, 4:00 PM
Game 2 – Saturday, May 20 @ Dripping Springs, 2:00 PM
Game 3 – 30 Minutes After Game 2
Two teams in the top 10 rankings of the state will square off on a neutral site in Dripping Springs. Lake Travis dropped the opening game of their series against Brandeis HS in Round 2 before winning back-to-back games to advance. Churchill has gone 2-0 in both playoff rounds.
Game 1
Churchill will likely send 2017 RHP Nico O’Donnell (Midland College commit) to the hill to open the series. O’Donnell has been dominant all season, building momentum throughout the post-season with a 2-0 record, 14 IP, 16 K, and only 3 runs allowed.
Lake Travis’ 2017 RHP Landon Ausley (Sam Houston commit) has started both series openers. Ausley’s pace and command will play a big role in the Cavaliers’ success. In his loss against Brandeis, he threw 6 innings, walked 5, and struck out 5.
Game 2
Lake Travis has used different pitchers in each of their second game matchups. Look for either Dalton Buckingham or Kyle Boyer.
Churchill’s 2017 RHP Landry Wideman (Texas A&M commit) is the likely game two starter for the Chargers. Wideman threw a complete game last week against Clemens HS, recording 13 strikeouts.
What to watch for
Lake Travis’ “jack-of-all-trades” 2019 IF/RHP Brett Baty could be the deciding factor for the Cavaliers on both sides of the ball. Baty, a Texas recruit, is an offensive force in the middle fo the Cav’s order, but also threw 7.2 innings in two relief appearances last week, picking up the win in both games.
Churchill’s offense has been extremely potent as of late. Jordon Billups and Hudson Head have been the driving forces. The extremely deep Charger bullpen gives Churchill a lot of options behind O’Donnell and Wideman. 2018 RHP Jack Neely (Texas commit) has been a shut-down closer at the end of the game, but the Chargers also have RHP Carter Elliott, RHP Kevin Crusius (Trinity commit), and RHP Carlos Flores (Houston commit).
McAllen (27-3) vs Laredo Alexander (23-8-1)
Game 1 – Friday, May 19 @ La Joya, 6:00 PM
Game 2 – Saturday, May 20 @ Uni-Trade Stadium, 1:00 PM
Game 3 – 30 Minutes After Game 2
Key Players
Laredo Alexander
2018 RHP Marcelo Perez has been a power source for the Bulldogs on the hill and at the plate. Perez is a TCU recruit and ranked No. 4 in Texas 2018 class, and No. 35 Overall.
McAllen
RHP Abanny Garcia has been dominant for McAllen and will likely start Game 1.
San Antonio Southwest (23-7) vs Laredo United (21-12)
Game 1 – Thursday, May 18 @ Uni-Trade (Laredo), 7:00 PM
Game 2 – Friday, May 19 @ Wolff Stadium (San Antonio), 7:00 PM
Game 3 – Saturday, May 20 @ Wolff Stadium, 12:00 PM
What to watch for:
Both teams have been offensively minded throughout the playoffs, tallying a combined 41 runs in the previous round alone. Pitching appears to be a soft spot for both programs, but with the high output of runs, this could make for an exciting series.
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