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Baseball: Previews of second-round state playoff matchups
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North Forsyth's Anthony DiMola delivers a pitch during the Raiders' game against Denmark on Feb. 25, 2019 at Denmark High School. - photo by Ian Frazer
Forsyth Central at North Gwinnett

When, where: Doubleheader Thursday, 4:30 p.m. at North Gwinnett; Friday, 5:55 p.m. if necessary

Records and seedings: Central is 18-9 and the No. 2 seed from Region 5-7A; North Gwinnett is 27-5 and the No. 1 seed from Region 6-7A

What to know: The Bulldogs made quick work of South Gwinnett last week to win their first playoff series as members of Class 7A, but will face a much more formidable opponent in North Gwinnett for the second round. They play in a good region with Mill Creek and Mountain View, and have lost just twice since the beginning of March. They’ve been consistent scorers all season, so it will be up to Central arms Mitchell Gross and Jacob Ryan to keep them at bay.

What’s next: Kennesaw Mountain or Etowah in the quarterfinals

 

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Forsyth Central's Mitchell Gross delivers a pitch during the Bulldogs' game against South Forsyth on April 11, 2019 at South Forsyth High School. - photo by Ian Frazer

North Forsyth at Parkview

When, where: Doubleheader Thursday, 4:30 p.m. at Parkview; Friday, 5 p.m. if necessary

Records and seedings: North is 18-2 and the No. 3 seed from Region 5-7A; Parkview is 28-4 and the No. 1 seed from Region 7-7A

What to know: It took two extra-inning contests, but the Raiders downed Archer last week to move on the second round, where they’ll face a highly-ranked Parkview team that didn’t lose a region game this year. Despite winning their two games against the Tigers, North still did so with minimal offense. That might play into Parkview’s strengths: The Panthers have allowed just 70 runs this year, and despite Brookwood being the Panthers’ real competition in their region, the Raiders will still have a tough task. 

What’s next: North Paulding or Walton in the quarterfinals

 

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Denmark's Nic Ferrer heads off the field after making a tag during the Danes' game against Chestatee on April 8, 2019 at Denmark High School. - photo by Ian Frazer

Denmark at St. Pius X

When, where: Doubleheader Thursday, 1:00 p.m. at St. Pius; Friday, 4 p.m. if necessary

Records and seedings: Denmark is 15-15 and the No. 4 seed from Region 7-4A; St. Pius X is 12-20 and the No. 3 seed from Region 8-4A

What to know: Simply making the playoffs was a main task on the Danes’ agenda just a few weeks ago, as they were battling for the final spot in a loaded region. After squeezing in as a No. 4 seed, the Danes took down top-seeded Northwest Whitfield last week, pushing their first-ever postseason run into the second round. St. Pius X got past Troup County on the road, but they seem beatable: they’ve lost to unremarkable programs like Duluth, Madison County and North Springs this year.

What’s next: West Laurens or Cairo in the quarterfinals