Updated: 2016 Class B State Tournament Previews and Predictions

May 19, 2016

By Brian Feekin
Prep Baseball Report Nebraska

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Updated 5/19/2016***

Skutt Catholic (22-4) vs. Gretna (13-18) at Werner Park

PBR Prediction: Skutt

Elkhorn (26-6) vs. Blair (18-8) at Werner Park

PBR Prediction: Elkhorn

Day Three: Wednesday May 18th

Skutt Catholic (22-3) vs. Elkhorn (25-6) at Werner Park

PBR Prediction: Elkhorn
Why: The top two teams in Class B get the chance to meet for the first time since their match up on March 18th. Skutt took the first game by a score of 3-2 so Elkhorn will be on the hunt for revenge on the early loss. Both teams have only used two pitchers in their first two games so we may see a high scoring affair at Werner.

Norris (23-7) vs. Gretna (12-18) at Fricke Field

PBR Prediction: Norris
Why: Norris has taken games two close games from Gretna this year by the count of 5-4 and 1-0. Their pesky offensive should be able to put up some runs against Gretna who got a strong pitching performance in their win over Arlington.

Blair (17-7) vs. Waverly (12-11) at Fricke Field

PBR Prediction: Blair
Why: The Bears beat the Vikings by a score of 12-3 earlier in the season and took Skutt to the wire on day two on the tournament. If they continue to play at a high level on day three, they should survive another day.

Day two: May 17th.

Skutt Catholic (21-3) vs. Blair (17-6) at Werner Park

PBR Prediction: Skutt Catholic
Why: The SkyHawks handled Gretna in the first round on Saturday and will more than likely start another tough right-hander in Brandon Anderson on Monday. Blair's lineup should have the ability to keep it close but Skutt's talent should override in the end.

Norris (23-6) vs. Elkhorn (24-6) at Werner Park

PBR Prediction: Elkhorn
Why: Elkhorn got their revenge on Saturday with a 8-4 win over Waverly while Norris took advantage of a big 1st inning against Elkhorn South. With Norris's #1 starter Zach Argo not on the mound, the Elkhorn lineup should out hit Norris. If they play a clean game defensively the Antler's are another step closer to a Class B championship.

Gretna (11-18) vs. Arlington (16-3) at Fricke Field

PBR Prediction: Gretna
Why: Arlington has lost their last two games at the hands of tougher opponents than they faced during the 2016 season. Gretna struggled against #1 seeded Skutt but should have an advantage over #4 Arlington.

Elkhorn South (13-11) vs. Waverly (11-11) at Fricke Field

PBR Prediction: Elkhorn South
Why: On Saturday Elkhorn South showed some fight after a rough 1st inning against Norris. If they execute offensively and play good defense, I'll take Elkhorn South in a close one.

Day 1: Saturday May 14th

Skutt Catholic (20-3) vs. Gretna (11-17)

PBR Prediction: Skutt Catholic
Why: The overall #1 seeded SkyHawks have not lost to a Class B opponent this year and with a team average of .349 and a ERA 2.15 they are in a strong position to roll through the first round of the state tournament.

PBR Preferred Pitching Match Up:
Connor Schwetschenau vs. Cameron French

Three Prospects to Watch:
Ryan Moritz
Connor Schwetschenau
Mojo Hagge

Arlington (16-2) vs. Blair (16-6)

PBR Prediction: Blair
Why: After winning the A-6 district with wins over Beatrice and Ralston. The Bears should continue to compete at a high level in the 1st round.

PBR Preferred Pitching Match Up:
Nick Nelson vs. Grant Miller

Three Prospects to Watch:
Jackson Peterson
Nick Nelson
Grant Miller

Norris (22-6) vs. Elkhorn South (13-10)

PBR Prediction: Norris
Why: Norris will more than likely throw Zach Argo who now holds the record for most wins (8) and strike outs (65) in a season. The Titans beat Elkhorn South earlier this year in a close 2-1 game and we expect this to be another close one.

PBR Preferred Pitching Match Up:
Zach Argo vs. Spencer Pyle

Three Prospects to Watch:
Austin Schultz
Zach Argo
Cole Thibodeau

Elkhorn (23-6) vs. Waverly (11-10)

PBR Prediction: Elkhorn
Why: Elkhorn will be hungry for revenge after the 12 inning loss to Waverly in the district final. Their roster has some of the top talent in class B and they should use this game to build momentum towards their run at a state championship.

PBR Preferred Pitching Match Up:
Jacob Uhing vs. Owen Gubbels

Three Prospects to Watch:
Drew Smith
Tanner Hunt
Joe Roeker

Updated: 2016 Class B State Tournament Previews and Predictions

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