Wildcats want to take next step in postseason play

TOBY ELLIOTT The Blacksburg High baseball team has been here before.

The Wildcats have advanced to the district playoffs for the fifth straight year under coach Toby Elliott.

Blacksburg (12-8) travels to top-seeded Liberty for a 6 p.m. game on Thursday. Pelion, the No.2- seed, and Ninety-Six meet in the other first-round district game.

Last year, the Wildcats nearly took the next step but were defeated in the district championship game.

"We've played for the district championship two years in a row, but we have some new blood this year," Wildcat coach Toby Elliott said.

Will Raines is one of the new players. And for the playoffs, he'll also have a new position, moving from behind the plate to solidify the infield at shortstop.

Former jayvee backstop Jonathan Smith will start at catcher. Another newcomer, eighth-grader Blake Tharpe will likely start in the second-round district game on Saturday.

"We are very excited about the playoffs," Elliott said. "We earned the right to be here."

Ace Dustin Byars, who leads the team in victories with five, will get the start against Liberty.

"He's throwing very well," Elliott said. "His fastball has movement and if he can get his off speed stuff over for strikes we'll have a chance."

Byars will have to be at his best because of the small dimensions of Liberty's ball park. The centerfield fence is just 330 feet from home plate.

"A regular deep fly could be a home run," the Blacksburg coach said.

As for the Wildcats' opponent, Elliott describes Liberty as a "scrappy team that puts the bat on the ball."

Liberty also emerged as the top team in a tough region.

"That region just beat everybody up and they came out on top," Elliott said.

Chase Norman will go to the mound in the second game. Elliott has confidence in Norman.

"He's throwing well," he said. "He has a good fastball and has been working on a slider."