Get ready for an action-packed week as the baseball playoffs kick off Monday with the region semifinals! Teams will battle in a best-of-three series. Host teams will play Games 1 and 2 at home (Monday and Tuesday), while the lower-seeded team could host a decisive Game 3 on Thursday if needed. Check out the exciting matchups across Classes 4A-1A!
Class 4A
Region 3
No. 5 Countryside (20-8) vs. No. 1 Jesuit (21-9) at 7 PM
It’s a rematch from the district final where Jesuit came out on top with a 7-0 win just two weeks ago.
Countryside clinched the PCAC title for the first time since 1984 and is making its playoff debut since 2016, having swept Seminole in the quarterfinals. Look out for Luke Neubauer, who boasts a sizzling .434 batting average.
Meanwhile, defending state champions Jesuit had a tougher path, needing three games to pull through against Bonita Springs. Kaden Waechter leads the Tigers with a .400 average.
This season, Jesuit has been a fortress at home with a record of 13-7, while Countryside has a solid 12-3 on the road.
Game 1 starts Monday at 7 PM at Jesuit. Game 2 is Tuesday, with a potential Game 3 on Thursday at Countryside.
Class 3A
Region 2
No. 7 Hernando (16-13) at No. 3 The Villages Charter (22-6) at 7 PM
Hernando pulled off a thrilling three-game victory over North Marion in the quarterfinals, with Kaine Ellis stepping up big by going 3-for-3 and hitting a home run in the deciding game.
The Villages Charter, known for its powerful offense averaging 9.0 runs per game, is a tough competitor, especially at home with an impressive 11-2 record. Marcello Cortale leads his team with a .470 batting average!
First pitch is set for Monday at 7 PM at The Villages. Game 2 follows on Tuesday, and if necessary, Game 3 will take place on Thursday at Hernando.
Region 3
No. 3 Calvary Christian (26-3) at No. 2 North Broward Prep (23-6) at 6:30 PM
This contest is a rematch from the 2023 state final that Calvary Christian claimed. Both teams are ranked in the top four in their class, showcasing some of the best talent in the state.
Calvary Christian is coming off a strong sweep against Jefferson, and they’ve been competitive with all three of their losses this season coming by just one run.
Key players for the Warriors include Cameron Uzzillia (.415), Darian Collins (.412), and Chase Brady (.400). Their pitching ace, Grayson Gibson, holds an impressive 0.26 ERA.
For North Broward Prep, they’re also on fire at home with a 15-2 record. The Eagles average 6.4 runs per game while limiting their opponents to 3.6.
Catch Game 1 on Monday at 6:30 PM at North Broward Prep. Game 2 takes place Tuesday, and there’s a chance for Game 3 on Thursday at Calvary Christian.
Class 2A
Region 3
No. 8 Bishop McLaughlin (13-14) at No. 5 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (20-7) at 4:30 PM
Bishop McLaughlin delivered a stunning upset in the quarterfinals by defeating top-seeded Tampa Catholic in three games, becoming the only No. 8 seed in the state to accomplish this feat!
They’ve bounced back after a rough patch, winning four out of their last six games—all losses by just one run. Watch for Christopher Rodriguez, batting .383.
On the opposing side, Cardinal Mooney boasts a strong home record at 13-3, averaging nearly six runs per game and holding opponents to just 3.4 runs.
Game 1 begins Monday at 4:30 PM at Cardinal Mooney. Tune in for Game 2 on Tuesday, and if necessary, Game 3 will be held at Bishop McLaughlin on Thursday.
No. 3 Carrollwood Day (17-8) at No. 2 Berkeley Prep (21-8) at 7 PM
Both teams advanced to this round by sweeping their respective quarterfinals, so expect a close matchup! Julian Earle is leading the Patriots with a .423 batting average.
Game 1 begins Monday at 7 PM at Berkeley Prep, with Game 2 on Tuesday and a potential Game 3 scheduled for Thursday at Carrollwood Day.
Class 1A
Region 3
No. 3 Canterbury (20-9) at No. 2 Northside Christian (22-8) at 7 PM
Northside Christian has turned up the heat with a 13-game winning streak since starting 9-8. They’ve outscored opponents heavily in their recent games!
JD Howard is a standout player for the Mustangs, batting .435 and leading in stolen bases. The Mustangs are fierce competitors!
Canterbury enters with an average of 7.0 runs per game, and Alex Daltrui has a perfect batting average!
Game 1 starts Monday at 7 PM at Northside Christian, with Game 2 on Tuesday and a potential Game 3 at Canterbury on Thursday.
No. 4 Cambridge Christian (19-9) at No. 1 Naples Neumann (17-11) at 7:30 PM
Cambridge Christian is on a roll, winning 10 out of their last 12 games! They’re bringing their A-game ahead of this thrilling matchup.
Get ready for an intense Game 1 on Monday at 7:30 PM at Neumann, with Game 2 on Tuesday and a possible Game 3 on Thursday at Cambridge Christian.
Conclusion
With so much talent on display, these playoffs promise unforgettable moments! Don’t miss out on your chance to witness some incredible high school baseball this week!
FAQs
When are the playoffs happening?
The playoffs are taking place Monday through Tuesday, with a potential Game 3 on Thursday.
What teams are playing?
Teams from Classes 4A-1A are competing, featuring matchups like Countryside vs. Jesuit and Hernando vs. The Villages Charter.
Where can I watch the games?
Check local listings or your school’s announcements for viewing options, as many games are hosted at their respective schools!
