Softball: Nothing second-rate about Norco-Hart matchup

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If Norco and Hart were playing in the Southern Section-Toyota Division I championship, instead of a quarterfinal game, no one would be complaining.

This game is that good.

And it is Thursday, which seems a bit early in the tournament for two of the Southland’s five best pitchers -- and two of the division’s three best -- to match up.

What we have is fourth-seeded Norco (28-5) at Hart (25-4). And, get ready to sit for a spell because Teagan Gerhart (27-5) is pitching against Destiny Rodino (24-4). I actually have seen a 21-inning game before. Let’s just say that I’m bringing extra score sheets.

Gerhart has given up 2.9 hits every seven innings, and is averaging 12.1 strikeouts. Rodino, who helped Hart reach the title game last year before losing, 1-0, to Valencia, has given up 3.7 hits per seven innings and 8.6 strikeouts.

‘It’s pretty disappointing that one of these teams is going to be out in the quarters because it doesn’t look as good, that’s my biggest complaint,’ Norco Coach Rick Robinson said. ‘It is pretty frustrating. This should be a semifinal, minimum.’

It should be, definitely.

It could be a championship game.

It might be a classic when all is said and done.

-- Martin Henderson