MARSHALL, Texas-Batter up.
After a weekend of being bullied at the plate by Bullard's pitching staff in the area round last week, Pleasant Grove will look to get its bats back in action against more solid pitching starting today against Canton in a Class 4A, Region II quarterfinals matchup at East Texas Baptist University.
Today's first pitch is slated for 7:30 p.m.
Canton (29-3) comes out of District 13-4A unscathed and swept Carthage last week in the area round, while 14-4A's Pleasant Grove (23-4) also went through district play unbeaten and ousted the Panthers in three games in their area-round tilt.
For the Hawks to find success and advance further into postseason play, they will need to be efficient at the plate and put runners on base.
"Offensively, our guys understand how important it is for us to be productive at the plate," Pleasant Grove coach Riley Fincher said. "The team has had a great week of practice preparing for this upcoming series.
"Canton is an experienced team that is having a great year. They are very well-coached with a good pitching staff. Our guys are excited about the opportunity to be playing this weekend."
Nick Voyles, who hurled a complete-game shutout against Bullard in last week's series opener, will get the knod on the mound for Pleasant Grove in Game 1.
Keaton Russo will catch for Voyles, Matthew Gilley will play second, Jackson Cobb at shortstop, Ben Harmon at third and either Braden Hlavinka or Ryan Galvan will be at first. Carson Cox will be in center field, while Andrew LeGrand and Seth Hopkins will be in left and right, respectively.
Game 2 will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and, if needed, a Game 3 will follow after a 30-minute intermission.
Winner of the Pleasant Grove-Canton series advances to play either unbeaten Argyle (30-0) or Melissa in the regional semifinals next week.