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Tigers face tough test at Forbush

By Steve Winzenread | Independent Tribune

Published: May 21, 2009

MOUNT PLEASANT — Bryan Tyson didn't really want to make the drive to Forbush on Wednesday.

But when something works in the playoffs, it's hard to ignore.

After all, Tyson videotaped East Lincoln's field, and Mount Pleasant beat the senior-laden Mustangs 12-8 Tuesday night in the second round of the NCHSAA 2A playoffs.

"I knew we had some young kids, so I went to East Lincoln on Sunday, me and my little boy, and I videoed the ball field so (the Tigers) could just see on TV when they came to practice what it looked like," Tyson said Thursday. "Some of the guys said that made them feel a whole lot more comfortable knowing what they were getting into.

"Yesterday, I didn't want to do it, it was late, but I went up to Forbush and videoed that. I've never done that before."

The Tigers can only hope it works as well tonight for their 7 p.m. road game.

Mount Pleasant opened an 8-1 lead through three innings at East Lincoln, then after the home team
closed within 8-4, the Tigers just kept hitting and scoring, collecting 13 hits.
Matt Barrier, a junior, hit a three-run homer and a three-run double in the sixth to account for his six RBI.

"Grayson Atwood got injured (a few weeks ago) with a torn tendon in his wrist," Tyson said. "Grayson usually hits behind Garrett Furr. Matt had to slide up in the batting order to protect Garrett."
Furr, a senior, is the Tigers' star player.

"He's the straw that stirs our drink by far," Tyson said. "He's a big part of what we do offensively and defensively. He's done a great job all-around all year long."

Furr and Brandon Burris had two hits each at East Lincoln, senior Andrew Carroll had three hits and sophomore first baseman Anthony Allende homered and drove in three runs.

"We beat a really good team," Tyson said. "I don't think there's anybody out there we can't beat, but there's nobody out there that can't beat us either if we don't swing the bat well or throw strikes."

Barrier is the probable starting pitcher tonight. Cory Huneycutt started and was the winner at East Lincoln, with Furr getting the save.

Furr was the winning pitcher in the playoff opener, going all seven innings to beat Wilkes Central.

"He just doesn't give in," Tyson said. "And he's got three pitches. He throws his fastball, curveball and changeup at anytime in the count for strikes."

If Barrier needs relief help tonight, Furr will be first in line to pitch again.

In addition to his pitching, Barrier has played a strong third base for the Tigers.

"He's by far one of the better defensive third basemen around," Tyson said. "He's made some super plays this year, especially on slow rollers."

Centerfielder Carroll "had that terrible wrist injury in football," Tyson said. "Sometimes he struggles with it some, but he doesn't complain about it. He just goes about his business and tries to get better each day."

Burris is a sophomore shortstop. "I like him at the leadoff spot," Tyson said. "He gets on base."

Other starters for Mount Pleasant are Wesley Hammill at catcher, senior Evan Seymour in rightfield, Justin Filiberti in leftfield and Huneycutt at second base. Either Christian Cannon or Ethan Ledbetter is expected to DH tonight.

Based on scouting reports, Tyson said that Forbush appears to be a straightforward team.

"They've got a lot of power," he said. "They're solid defensively, with decent pitching. A solid team.
"They don't run that much, they don't bunt that much, or they haven't until now."

Mount Pleasant, on the other hand, does try to steal if the situation is right.

"We've got some team speed," Tyson said. "We've stolen quite a few bases this year. In the playoffs, the kids have done a really good job getting bunts down."

After starting 15-0, the Tigers were hit by injuries and they wound up second in the Rocky River Conference.

But fill-in players gained valuable experience, and that is paying off for the Tigers.

"The team's attitude has been wonderful," Tyson said. "They really are enjoying playing teams they haven't seen before. That's the fun of the playoffs."

A win tonight would guarantee Mount Pleasant a home game next week, against either West Lincoln or Ledford.