In terms of overall talent and experience, Matt Cranfield is not at the top of Porters Chapel Academy’s pitching rotation.

The sophomore right-hander doesn’t overwhelm hitters with a 90 mph fastball. He mixes in a knuckleball and a solid curve, but nothing that will buckle the knees and make scouts drool.

When it comes to big games, though, Cranfield does seem to do one thing better than just about anyone. He gets people out.

Cranfield has not lost a postseason start in three tries. His career ERA in the playoffs is a stingy 1.96. That’s why, when it comes time to decide who gets the ball for a series opener, Cranfield is solidly entrenched as PCA’s No. 1 starter.

Cranfield, who started the first game of PCA’s previous two playoff series, will once again be on the hill for the opener of the MPSA Class A North State finals against Tri-County. Game 1 of the series will be tonight at 6 at Hinds Community College in Raymond. Game 2 of the best-of-three series will be on Thursday at 7 p.m. at PCA.

&#8220I have a lot of confidence in Matt. We definitely feel we have a chance to win with him on the mound, because he’s always going to be around the zone,” PCA coach Randy Wright said. &#8220He’s really been solid in the playoffs every time out. We’re real glad he’s on our side.”

Cranfield went 4-1 in the regular season last year and elevated himself from a part-time pitcher to a regular member of the rotation. And when staff ace Michael Busby was suffering from an elbow injury and unable to pitch in the playoffs, Cranfield got his chance to show what he could do.

With PCA facing elimination in a first-round series against Benton Academy, Wright turned to the then-freshman. The coach wasn’t disappointed.

Cranfield allowed only five hits and two runs, struck out eight and walked none to help the Eagles stay alive with a 4-2 victory. PCA lost Game 3 of the series the next day, but it had found a future star.

&#8220Last year against Benton, the way he threw when we were facing elimination, showed what kind of heart he had,” Wright said. &#8220I call him our warrior, and he’s out there battling every time he’s out there.”

Cranfield has shown this postseason that last year’s performance was no fluke. He once again dispatched Benton in the first round, giving up just two earned runs in a 10-6 win.

Then, in the second round against defending state champion Tunica Institute, he gave up only one hit in a five-inning, 13-1 victory. The hit, a fourth-inning single, was the only ball the Blue Devils hit out of the infield – against him. He struck out 11 batters in that win and got the other four outs via groundballs to the shortstop and one weak popup.

In his three playoff starts, Cranfield has now thrown 18 1/3 innings, struck out 28 batters and walked five. He’s allowed just four earned runs and 10 hits.

When asked to explain his success, Cranfield didn’t have any complicated answers. He said the adrenaline just takes him to another level, and he feeds off it.

&#8220I just get fired up, I guess,” Cranfield said. &#8220I’m ready to play. I just get more into the game in the playoffs.”