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SF staying disciplined ahead of state quarterfinals


Southern Fulton baseball coach Dustin Fischer has spent a lot of time thinking about the PIAA Class A playoffs.

After all, he's had since just about this time last year to brew on a game he felt the Indians could've won.

Now, Southern Fulton is back in the state quarterfinals and has a date with Vincentian Academy, the third seed out of District 7. And after beating Greensburg Central Catholic - the No. 2 seed out of District 7 - Fischer doesn't seem to have many worries.

"Going into it, with what other people were telling me, Greensburg was one of the better teams," Fischer said. "Based on what the newspapers were saying and scouting people told me, they were a pretty legit team. If we keep playing like we've been playing in the playoffs, there's no reason we shouldn't be able to win these games."

SF and Vincentian will play at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson on Thursday at 4 p.m.

With information on the Royals (18-7) being hard to come by, Fischer is focused on making sure the Indians (19-4) stay disciplined.

"We need to keep doing the little things," Fischer said. "When we get runners on, we want to get them in scoring position. The offense is starting to come alive at the right time, but we have to go out there and play good baseball. We want to make the other team make mistakes then make them pay for those mistakes, and we have to minimize our free passes."

Vincentian does boast a quite a few strong hitters - Kyler Fedko has a staggering batting average of .611, while brother Christian Fedko isn't far behind with an average of .414.

But Southern Fulton's pitchers are ready to take them on. Fischer said either Carl Potter or Zach Clark will get the start, and although he's not known for his relief work, ace Trent Rider will be available if his number is called.

"I think (Monday) was the first time he's ever come out of the bullpen and pitched, but he knows he can do it now," Fischer said. "He's in such good physical pitching condition."

One intricacy SF will have to adjust to quickly is Mount Aloysius' turf field. Fischer said he expects that unlike his team, Vincentian has probably played on a turf field this season, but he also said the field should lend itself well to a clean, error-free game.

Indians-Royals at a glance

Game data: Southern Fulton Indians vs. Vincentian Academy Royals ... Thursday, 4 p.m. at Mount Aloysius College ... PIAA Class A baseball quarterfinal.

Media: Follow @LindseySquints on Twitter for updates from the game.

Teams: SF, the winner of District 5, is 19-4 after beating Greensburg Central Catholic in the opening round ... 7-3 Vincentian Academy is coming off a 4-3, 13-inning win over DuBois Central Catholic.

Implications: The victor will face the winner of 7-1 Serra Catholic vs. 10-1 Rocky Grove in the state semifinals.

P.O. pick: SF by 3.