Rowan County vs. McCracken County (Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Quarterfinal)

The red hot Vikings (39-3) continued to lower their already state leading 1.21 ERA with a 5-0 shutout of Lawrence County in the Semi-State round. Meanwhile, McCracken County (31-7) showcased its offensive firepower in a 14-1 rout of Hopkinsville, the Mustangs' fourth double digit scoring outburst in their last six games.

This is a matchup of two of the top pitching staffs in the state, so expect runs to be at a premium.

Game time is Thursday, June 6th at 5:30pm at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

This game is going to be something to see. I expect two of the top pitchers in the state to face off.

For Rowan County, AJ Hacker; 10-1, 0.60 ERA,120 K's (#3 in state).

For McCracken County, Jacob Ehling with a 0.84 ERA.

It could be interesting to see how McCracken County decides to use Ehling. They may start Dustin Schneider and bring Ehling in behind him. They have done that this year. However, with the draw McCracken County plays three games in three days if they keep winning, and that may not allow them flexibility in pitching strategy. This pitching strategy and how to use Ehling will be interesting to watch.

Lost in all the talk about Rowan County's pitching is the fact that they lead the state in runs scored and RBI, and are second in hits.

On the pitching side Rowan County leads the state in ERA and strikeouts.

Rowan County statistically is the team to beat in the tournament.

McCracken County has been much more successful at the state tournament than has Rowan County. The Mustangs have advanced to the state semifinals in each of the last three seasons. Rowan County has only been once of late, losing to Muhlenberg County in 2017 in the wake of their coach passing away due to cancer. Does experience win out here?

Doesn't dominate pitching win out at most levels of baseball? But, I believe it to be true even more so at the high school level. I believe Rowan gets to the finals before their staff depth plays the deciding role. RC will be 2019 State Champions.

Doesn't dominate pitching win out at most levels of baseball? But, I believe it to be true even more so at the high school level. I believe Rowan gets to the finals before their staff depth plays the deciding role. RC will be 2019 State Champions.

It would not be a surprise. The big caveat I have on Rowan County is strength of schedule. How big a factor does the lack of strength in the schedule have to do with all those gaudy stats?

McCracken has played a strong schedule. I think the only KY team to beat McCracken was Bowling Green, with whom the Mustangs split a two game set.

I have Rowan Co in this one! Best pitcher in the state in AJ Hacker and he's got a great group of teammates. This game will be a good one!

1 to 0 McCracken in the 1st.

1-0 McCracken with one inning complete.

AJ Hacker and Jacob Ehling are starting tonight for their respective teams. McCracken's run is the first earned run allowed by Hacker in seven weeks.

Still 1-0 Mustangs midway through the 2nd. McCracken had something going in the top half of the 2nd before Hacker pitched his way out of it.

Same score following a brisk, routine inning for Ehling and McCracken. Headed to the 3rd.

Updates appreciated!

Another easy inning for Ehling. Still 1-0 McCracken through three.

Rowan's bats have been muted so far. Ehling is in complete control.

Same score in the middle of the 4th. Hacker seems to have settled in.