All games are scheduled for 7 tonight unless noted.
By BRYAN BURNS
Published May 9, 2006
CLASS 5A
HILLSBOROUGH (28-4) at NORTHEAST (24-5)
THE PITCH: Hillsborough and Northeast both defeated Robinson in these playoffs. Robinson coach Sal Urso thinks Hillsborough, with Matt Schurig (14-0, 0.59 ERA) on the mound, has the advantage in tonight's matchup.
"Hillsborough is, in my mind, one of the best teams in the county," Urso said. "If they play the way they know how to play and Schurig is pitching well, I think Hillsborough should prevail.
"Not taking anything away from Northeast, they have a great team. But, I'm not sure they can do it if they don't have another pitcher like (Josh Bowman)."
Northeast starter Bowman (8-1) gave up an early run to Robinson in the first inning, but shut them out the rest of the way. Bowman could pitch again tonight, according to Hillsborough coach Pat Russo.
THE PITCH: This is the third meeting between these teams this season. Jesuit holds a 2-1 advantage and won a barnburner 19-16 in the team's last meeting for the district title. The Tigers put up 14 more runs in their 14-4, six-inning victory over second-ranked Estero to reach the region final. They chased Estero starter Rey Dejesus - who entered with a 0.67 ERA - after just 1.2 innings. With the offense in high gear and pitchers Sam Dyson and Kevin Quackenbush throwing well, Jesuit could be on its way to a 14th final four appearance.
PLAYOFF HISTORY: Bartow - 21-10; Jesuit - 35-17.
CLASS 3A
TAMPA CATHOLIC (17-11) at CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC (21-8)
THE PITCH: Tampa Catholic has gone on the road twice during these region playoffs and dominated its opponent, first defeating Bishop Verot 12-1, then taking out Lake Placid 11-0 in a mercy-rule shortened game to reach the region finals. It shouldn't matter to these Crusaders that they'll have to go on the road a third-straight game for the chance to reach their 15th final four. Fifth-ranked CCC should prove to be a considerably tougher opponent, however.
PLAYOFF HISTORY: Tampa Catholic - 48-14; CCC - 29-13.
