Red Raiders favored to win Big South baseball title

BELMONT - The conference schedule begins for area baseball teams tonight, and South Point coach Jason Lineberger can hardly believe it.

"It's amazing how quick it's gotten here," he said.

He better be ready. As his Red Raiders open Big South 3A/4A action tonight at 7 at home against rival East Gaston, they'll have a big target on their chests.

That's because South Point is the preseason favorite to win the Big South, according to a coaches' poll conducted by the Gazette.

One reason the Red Raiders are expected to have a strong season: Zach Horne.

The left-handed senior returns as one of the top pitchers in the area after going 7-2 with a 1.30 ERA and striking out 104 batters in 64 2/3 innings last year.

Horne is 1-1 so far this season with a win against Lincolnton and a loss to R-S Central opposite Appalachian State signee Ryan Arrowood.

Horne, a Belmont Abbey signee, hurls a fastball in the low 80s and is coming off a great offseason, Lineberger said.

"I think he's matured some," Lineberger said. "I think he's worked harder to get ready this year than he has in the past. I think he's physically stronger. He should have a good year."

Whether South Point contends for a conference championship could rest more in the arms of Weston Lawing and Chris Harkey, the Red Raiders' other two main pitchers. They're both sophomores, and South Point will need them to grow up in a hurry.

Lineberger isn't sold that his team is the one to beat in the Big South this season. Including the designated hitter position, he's starting four seniors, five sophomores and one freshman.

"Who knows? We expect to compete with everybody we play, but it's gong to be tough," Lineberger said. "I think there are a lot of good teams in our conference."

South Point was a slim, one-point favorite over Crest. Both teams received three first-place votes. Forestview received the other first-place vote and was picked third overall.

Another of South Point's five returning starters is senior outfielder Chris Lane, the team's top returning hitter after batting .347 with five home runs last year. He's drawing recruiting interest from Furman, Lenoir-Rhyne and Catawba. Johnson was next with a .339 average and 10 RBIs.

"I've been pleased with the way we've worked in practice," Lineberger said. "You don't ever feel like you're ready because you don't have enough time, but I think we're as ready as we can be."

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.