Staff report
Ernie Banks loved baseball so much, he coined the phrase, Lets play two.
Heres what East Rowan coach Brian Hightower and Davie coach Mike Herndon are probably saying today: Lets play four.
When the two Central Piedmont Conference foes meet tonight at 7 p.m. at Staton Field in Granite Quarry in the second round of the 4A playoffs, it will indeed be their fourth meeting this season.
There wont be a fifth. The loser goes home for the season.
East won the first two meetings, with Davie taking the Easter tournament title from the Mustangs.
We hope we can even the series, said Herndon.
East (20-7) got a good pitching performance from Corbin Shive in a first round win over Central Cabarrus. The Mustangs will need more of the same against the hot-hitting, 18-8 War Eagles, led by Zach Howard. The senior rapped his 11th homer in a win over East Forsyth, the fifth-ranked team in 4A.
Im glad were in this league, Herndon said of the CPC. Were battle-tested.
And so is East.
Its two teams who are a lot alike, said Herndon. Were both scrappy and we both compete. Theres a mutual respect there.
Asked what type of crowd hes expecting tonight, Herndon said, Standing room only.
It will be a busy Tuesday.
Rowan County still has two teams left in the 2A baseball playoffs with North Rowan traveling to West Lincoln and Salisbury going to Brevard. West Rowan travels to South Piedmont No. 1 seed Anson in the 3A playoffs.
Will Collins will be defending his 2A golf title in Southern Pines. Salisburys tennis team resumes play in the dual team playoffs at home.
West Rowan is home at 5 p.m. as the softball playoffs start. North (2A), Carson (3A) East (4A) and South (4A) are on the road.