The Pleasant Grove Hawks are preparing for a second round baseball playoff series with Bullard.

Before we look ahead to this series, let's first talk about the Hawks 6-0 shutout of Wills Point in the opening round last week.

The Hawks had some early tough luck on the base paths, but eventually broke through with some late runs to put Wills Point away. Hawks Head Baseball Coach Riley Fincher was pleased with the teams hitting approach, saying, "Our guys did a good job of putting the ball in play throughout the game. Wills Point did a good job of making plays, but our guys kept putting together at bats and were eventually able to scratch across some runs in the late innings."

As usual the Hawk pitching and defense was on spot. Great outing for PG's ace pitcher Nick Voyles. Fincher says his hurler was sharp, " He was able to locate his pitches and did a great job of getting ahead of their hitters." Fincher added it was important that the defense was able to make some big plays early to not allow Wills Point to get any momentum going.

Next up for the Hawks in the second round of the playoffs is Bullard, who took out Rusk last week. Fincher says that Bullard is a talented team with a great pitching staff, so he is looking for a great series.

As for what the Hawks need to do to advance to the next round. Fincher says it's all about execution on the field. "We need to get great pitching performances, great defense, and great approaches at the plate. Our guys understand the importance of attacking the game in all phases and competing every pitch."

This will be a best of three series with all games being played at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall. Game 1 is Friday night with first pitch at 7:30. Game 2 is Saturday at 4:30, with Game 3 if necessary following that game.

Fincher says he will start Nick Voyles in the Friday game, with Matthew Gilley slated to start Game 2. Fincher feels good about his pitching staff, "We have 8 guys that we have confidence in to throw at anytime during the series as well."

Fincher is looking for another big PG crowd in Marshall this weekend. He is thankful for the terrific support of the fans throughout the year, remarking, "We had a great crowed last Thursday and it made a big difference."

This Hawk team, while overall young, seems to be on a mission to make it back to Austin. Each series the task will get harder, but this is a team with a lot of talented athletes, with a lot of drive, anything is possible.

Good Luck PG, Beat Bullard!!!

 

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