NE vs Sheldon, Cunningham vs Moore and more

  In my final preseason prediction I mentioned that I thought Marist, North Eugene and Thurston were a notch above everyone else.  I picked Sheldon 4th and among a second tier of teams that include a lot of young teams who need time to mature.  Sheldon ripened up in a hurry and has beaten both 6A brothers in games at Sheldon. 
  We are a quarter of a way through league and the teams are shaking out as expected with the exception of Sheldon at 5-0. Sheldon has yet to play two of  my top three picks in the first round, so they still have a lot to prove. Wednesday is their next big test.  They will step on the field at Swede to take on the 4-0 Highlanders and Andrew Moore with undisputed possession of first place on the line.  And even though Moore hasn't allowed a hit or run in his first two league outings, I think the Irish have a shot at getting hits and getting a win.
  Moore brings his 0.00 ERA, 28 k's and two no hitters into the game to face Cason Cunningham.  Cunningham is no slouch with a 1.02 ERA, 19 k's and just 5 hits in the same number of innings as Moore.  The main difference between the two besides being right and left handed, is that Moore has almost eliminated his walks.  Like Moore, Cunningham has a great defense behind him.  The Irish outfield might be a little better than North's because of Irish centerfielder Ryan Land.  Land can cover a huge territory, plays smart and can make the diving catch.
  The bats on both teams have mirrored much of the league - punchless this year, although Sheldon has flexed their muscles on occasion.  I don't think you'll see either team break this game open at the plate.  Both teams have two players with one home run apiece.  For North, that's Garrett Harpole and Shawn Boehm.  For Sheldon, Daniel Herr and Cooper Stiles.  Ryan Land of the Irish has three triples.  Sheldon has six players who have hit doubles while North has two.  It's not likely that Moore or Cunningham are going to let these batters light it up.
 
  Near the end of Beltline, Marshfield and Churchill will be playing each other.  Each team will be trying for their first league win.  I expect to see Marshfield's  #1 pitcher Doug Molzahn and expect that Churchill will hold back their #1 for Thurston on Friday.

 If I was correct about Thurston being one of the three best teams in the league, then they should win out the rest of the first round.  The Colts face Willamette, Churchill, Springfield and Marshfield to finish the first half.  Thurston could stumble, but their frosh ace Aaron Clift has done well and will improve.  And Tyler Johnson had a good outing in relief against dangerous Marist on Monday.

  The Millers need to pick it up if they are to make my #5 pick.  It won't be easy with Marist, Thurston and Churchill left this round.  Wednesday should see Kameron Bates on the mound for Springfield.  But Marist probably won't use Eyster after he went six on Monday.

  Willamette has played all five 5A MWL opponents, going 2-3.  Now the Wolverines do-si-do with the big boys - Thurston, Sheldon and South Eugene.  Great news that Tony Svennson is back for the Wolverines.  He carries a big stick and will turn a few games around, if not with the upcoming games with the 6A teams, then against the 5A teams next round.

  South gets the bye Wednesday.  Then they face Marist and probably Eyster, followed by Marshfield and Willamette. 

According to the weatherman five minutes ago, it's not raining at my house, but something wet is coming out of the sky. Let's hope we can squeeze in some games tomorrow, because the Thursday and Friday forecasts are gloomy.


Thanks to the coaches and parents who have forwarded recaps and stats.  The website wouldn't be much fun without your help.