But for one night, many similarities could be seen between the two teams.

By blending sterling defense, superb pitching and timely hitting, the Trojans looked almost as impressive as that world championship squad.

But South isn't New York, and the Trojans weren't playing the Baltimore Orioles in the Fall Classic. Instead, they were handing host Northern Nash of the New 6 Conference a 2-0 whitewashing in the second round of the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs.

More importantly, this win vaults the Trojans into a third round game Friday night at Rocky Mount of the NEW 6 Conference.

It also marks the first time the Trojans of the Cape Fear Valley Conference have advanced this deep into the playoffs since 1996.

"We have got some guys who are stepping up and playing their best baseball of the season right now," said South coach Keith Durham. "It couldn't come at a better time.

"It's all about survive and advance now, and it just means we get one more game to play."

Defensively, the Trojans were sparked by outstanding plays from left fielder Dee Walden and right fielder Ryan Barefoot, who made grabs reminiscent of Tommy Agee and Ron Swoboda in the '69 Series.

Walden made a diving catch of bloop to left by Justin Shannonhouse, robbing the Knight's second baseman of a hit in the second inning.

Ryan Barefoot raced over from his right field position to make a similar catch of a flare to center by Tyler Clark in the fourth.

Along with those spectacular plays, Steven Johnson was as impressive at third, snuffing the Knight's shots down the line, while the middle of the infield kept the Knights from advancing past second base.

"We had some guys make some outstanding defensive plays," Durham said. "It's easy to pitch when you know you have guys behind you who are going to get it done for you."

That defense complimented a Tom Seaver-ish effort on the mound by Jerry Glover, who threw a complete game victory.

Glover threw 90 pitches en route to the win, scattering three hits, striking out five batters and walking one.

"Jerry was outstanding," Durham said. "Easily his best outing of the year. They [Knights] have some guys who can hit the ball and knock it around the park. He did a great job, keeping them off-balance."

Glover said everything was working for him.

"I was feeling great," Glover said. "Fastball, curveball, changeup. ... almost everything was working fine for me. I felt real good."

Trojans' catcher Corey Sasser said Glover pitched a great game, typical of his entire season and described his curve ball as "nasty."

"He was hitting his spots," Sasser said. "He wasn't throwing many balls in the dirt - it was just another night at the ballgame - for him anyway."

Glover's effort was matched by the Knights' Brandon Denton, who stifled the Trojans' bats, limiting South to five hits while fanning nine batters and walking two.

Two of those hits were doubles, however, including a third inning shot to left by Walden, who scored Dillon Bass with the only run South would need.

Bass opened the frame with a single to center, and scored from first on Walden's blast when Clark couldn't handle the throw home.

"Dillon's not the fastest guy," Durham said, "But I figured at this point, we're in a tie game in the playoffs, and we needed to make something happen."

Walden moved to third on a single by Hunter Langdon, and scored when Denton threw the ball away, trying to pick off Langdon at first.

Now, the Trojans set their sights on the Gryphons, who are coached by former South Johnston coach Pat Smith who led the Trojans to the 1990 state championships, and hopefully beyond.

"We just have to keep playing at this level," Durham said. "Keep our focus and hope some things go our way."