Here's what's on deck for Gastonia, Shelby high school baseball, softball this week
With attention now shifted from basketball courts back outdoors toward spring sports, here’s a look at what is on the docket as high school baseball and softball teams settle into their respective seasons.
Baseball
Cherryville-East Gaston (March 18, 21)
Both enter with 2-0 records in league play, Cherryville (4-4, 2-0 Southern Piedmont 1A/2A) outscoring Shelby 20-4 in a sweep of their two-game set last week. East Gaston (6-3, 4-0) earned its fourth straight victory Thursday with an 8-3 win at Bessemer City, completing a two-game sweep of the Yellow Jackets.
Cherryville is led by sophomore Parker Anderson, who is hitting .400 with two doubles and six RBI. East Gaston pitchers Jackson Messer and Parker Stafford hope to limit his impact this week, the duo leading the Warriors with 49 strikeouts.
East Lincoln-North Lincoln (March 18, 21)
East Lincoln outscored Hickory 16-0 last week en route to a sweep of their two-game set. Its only loss was a 3-2 setback at North Gaston. Meanwhile, North Lincoln’s early season slate has been more of a roller coaster, with two wins last week over St. Stephens steadying the ship after a 1-5 start to the season.
North Lincoln hopes to stymie an East Lincoln lineup featuring three players with 25 at-bats hitting above .400: Brody Hager (.412), Matthew Phuntek (.400) and Brandon Washington (.409).
South Point-Stuart Cramer (March 18, 21)
Some may find it hard to believe, but Stuart Cramer (4-2, 2-0 Big South 3A) has never beaten rival South Point in 19 tries. Last year proved the Storm was at least nipping at South Point’s heels, suffering a pair of 7-6 losses last season to the Red Raiders (5-3, 1-0).
Cramer pitchers Mason Price and Nic Stutzman have combined for 39 strikeouts this season. They’ll face a deep South Point lineup that produces just shy of nine runs per game.
West Lincoln at Burns (Wednesday)
Burns (8-1, 4-0 Southern Piedmont 1A/2A) has scored runs in bunches thus far, averaging 12 per game on their way to an 8-1 record. The Bulldogs’ only loss thus far was a 2-1 result at T.C. Roberson.
Meanwhile, West Lincoln (4-4, 3-1 Catawba Valley 2A) comes into the week seeking consistency. After winning two of their first three, the Rebels have since lost three of five.
Softball
Cherryville-East Gaston (March 18, 21)
After starting the season 0-2, Cherryville has won its last five games. The Lady Ironmen (5-2, 2-0 Southern Piedmont 1A/2A) have not allowed a run in their last 12 innings, including shutouts of Shelby (twice) and Stuart Cramer.
A hard-hitting East Gaston (7-1, 4-0) side provides a significant test, its lineup boasting a .454 average and 23 extra base hits, including four home runs.
Kings Mountain at Cherryville (Wednesday)
Needless to say, it’s an important week for Cherryville in league play. However, a matchup with last year’s NCHSAA 3A runner-up will serve as quite the litmus test. A deep Cherryville lineup featuring six players (with greater than 16 at-bats) hitting better than .400 take their swings against Kings Mountain (4-1, 3-0 Big South 3A) ace Maddie Huffman, who has struck out 53 batters in 24 ⅓ innings.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: NCHSAA: What's on deck for Gastonia, Shelby area baseball, softball?
Topics
-
West Texas, San Angelo-area high school softball schedule, scores and top players March 17-22
The West Texas, Concho Valley and San Angelo-area high school softball regular season rolls on. Here are the schedules, scores and top players this week.Yahoo Sports - 5h -
West Texas, San Angelo-area high school baseball schedule, scores and top players March 17-22
The West Texas, Concho Valley and San Angelo-area high school baseball regular season rolls on. Here are the schedules, scores and top players this week.Yahoo Sports - 5h -
Here's why the 2024-25 Gastonia, Shelby high school basketball season was one for the books
With the high school basketball season now complete in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties, here are a few reasons why it was one for the history books.Yahoo Sports - 6h -
Saturday's high school baseball and softball scores
CIF Southern Section and City Section high school baseball and softball scores.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Vote for the Clarksville area boys high school athlete of the week for March 10-16
Who should be the Clarksville area boys high school athlete of the week for March 10-16? Here's your chance to vote.Yahoo Sports - 4h -
Vote for the Clarksville area girls high school athlete of the week for March 10-16
Who should be the Clarksville area girls high school athlete of the week for March 10-16? Here's your chance to vote.Yahoo Sports - 4h -
The Times' top 25 high school baseball rankings
A look at the top 25 high school baseball teams in the Southland after Week 4.Yahoo Sports - 20h -
Vote: Athens-area high school athlete of the week from March 9-16
Readers, cast your vote for Athens-area high school athlete of the week between March 9-16.Yahoo Sports - 6h -
Vote for the Savannah Morning News High School Athlete of the Week in an open poll
Here's a chance for readers to weigh in and select the Savannah Morning News High School Athlete of the Week in an open poll.Yahoo Sports - 19h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
The Players Championship 2025 prize money: Full payout from the $25 million purse
Here's how the $25 million purse will be paid out this week at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.Yahoo Sports - 14h -
New York Giants will host QB Jameis Winston on a free agent visit
The New York Giants will host veteran QB Jameis Winston for a free agent visit in East Rutherford on Tuesday.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
NCAA Tournament - North Carolina vs. San Diego St. Predictions: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Stats
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. San Diego State Aztecs Game PreviewYahoo Sports - 19m -
Indianapolis Colts free agent signing a 'best' early free agency move
One of the Indianapolis Colts' free agent signings was named one of the "best" moves in early free agency.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Rams DL Braden Fiske names one area where he wants to improve in 2nd NFL season
Braden Fiske was outstanding as a rookie for the Rams but he sees one area where he can improve in Year 2Yahoo Sports - 20m
More in Sports
-
Inside Newcastle United’s Long-Awaited Trophy Win
A text from a club legend, a different hotel and a halftime slideshow all contributed to the Carabao Cup victory.The New York Times - 13m -
Ranking M.L.B. Teams From First to Worst Before the Season Begins
There’s a clear favorite at the top of the league. Then the intrigue begins.The New York Times - 13m -
The Winners and Losers of N.F.L. Free Agency
There were few stunning team changes and jaw-dropping contracts handed out, a columnist for The Athletic writes.The New York Times - 13m -
Play Connections: Sports Edition. Tackle Today’s Puzzle.
Group sports terms that share a common thread.The New York Times - 13m -
A Beginner’s Guide to Filling Out an N.C.A.A. Tournament Bracket
No bracket is perfect, but these tips can help.The New York Times - 13m