By Gabriel Pruett
The News Sports Writer
PORT NECHES — Port Neches-Groves baseball coach Scott Carter and the Indians do not know much about the Fort Bend Ridge Point Panthers.
What is known is the Panthers are 20-7-1 and are currently riding a five-game winning streak. PN-G enters this weekend’s series against Ridge Point with a 22-6-1 record.
The Panthers, coached by Terreance Plowden who was coach at Dulles before taking over at Ridge Point, swept Angleton out of the playoffs last week by scores of 3-0 and 7-1.
“He was very successful at Dulles,” Carter said. “I expect them to play sound baseball this weekend.”
PN-G and Ridge Point start the series at 7 p.m. Thursday with Game 2 at 7 p.m. Friday. Game 3, if needed, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday. All games are set to be played at Baytown Lee.
Ridge Point High School opened in 2010 and this is the fifth year the Panthers are participating in varsity athletics.
“It is quick and its early,” Carter said. “We don’t know a whole lot about these guys. I do know the coach and his reputation to put a good ballclub on the field. They are senior loaded. They have about 14 or 15 seniors and all nine starters are seniors.
“They hit the ball well, play good defense and have good pitching. That is why they are where they are right now. They are coming to p lay.”
Carter is not too worried about not knowing a lot about his opponent when this time of year rolls around.
“Everybody that is left at this point is a quality baseball team,” Carter said. “I don’t want to say the weak teams are gone because Barbers Hill was a great baseball team. There are no easy teams left and there are no easy rounds. Now, it is show up and play. You either win two or go home. It is an honor to be here and another week of baseball.”
PN-G hit the ball extremely well in the first round against Barbers Hill.
The Indians had five hits in a 7-4 Game 1 loss before exploding for 26 hits over the final two games. PN-G won Game 2, 10-0, and Game 3, 15-12, with 13 hits in both games.
Freshman Austin Bost had a monster debut in the postseason going 9 for 12 in the series with nine RBI and six runs.
“This group of kids comes out and has fun,” Carter said. “They enjoy the game of baseball. They do what they are supposed to do. I don’t know if right know they are more relaxed after winning a series. I think it is a case of who can stay focused and play the game without errors. We lost Game 1 on three errors late in the game against Barbers Hill. We hope to not do that again.”