Last season, the Erath Bobcats hosted their first-ever home playoff baseball game in the second round.

First pitch is at 5 p.m.

This year, thanks to a 15 seed, the Bobcats (17-10, 8-4) get home-field advantage in the first round, as they host number-18 Jewel Sumner (20-8, 9-1).

Erath head coach David Jordan said he is expecting a battle on Friday.

“You win 20 ball games, you’ve got to be doing something right,” said Jordan of his opponent. “With a 15 seed and an 18 seed, you’ve got to figure you’ll be evenly matched.”

The Bobcats will be starting out at a disadvantage against Sumner, as they are likely without speedsters Cole Bourque, Peter Broussard and Aaron Green.

“Cole came on late. He’s been hitting well and playing a solid center field,” said Jordan. “Those guys are a big part of what we do.”

The loss of Bourque in center field is particularly worrisome, Jordan suggested.

Still, Jordan said his team is deep and he is expecting the other players to contribute.

One key to the Bobcats’ success this year, Coy Clostio, will be on the field, Jordan said.

“He’s been doing well at third base and he’s really thrown the ball well on the mound,” he said. “He’s also been very consistent at the plate.”

Jordan also said he will be counting on freshman Drew Primeaux and sophomore Brett Delcambre, the latter of which he said has contributed all season.