[20/20]

I believe they can beat Pikeville without Shepherd on the hill, however, I think it definitely opens the door for the Panthers to pull it off. I think if LC wants to win the region, then they will not start Shepherd against the Panthers. He will be available if they need him to close it out or to hold Pikeville, but I don't believe he starts.

I will predict that LC beats AC by a moderate margin, 8-4 possibly. AC will get some hits and score some runs. They will make it a game for a while, but ultimately LC will win without Shepherd seeing any mound time. Then I predict Shepherd will not start against Pikeville, but the #2 man will go. Shepherd will be on call however if they fall behind or it is less than a 3 run game in the 6th and 7th innings. You may see Shepherd enter and pitch 2 innings to close out the game. Then I will predict that Shepherd will start and get the win in the championship. I believe this is the best possible road for LC to win the region. If Shepherd is used early and too much in the Pikeville game, then I think JC gets the edge because they will most likely have a full artillery ready for the championship game.

I believe this is the only scenario in which any team other than Johnson Central will win the 15th Region Championship.

I could be wrong but if he throws two innings he has to have one day rest. I think three to five is two days. So if he throws more than one then he can't pitch until Friday.