The baseball playoffs ramp up tonight with the region finals in a best-of-three showdown! Home teams will kick things off for Games 1 and 2 on Monday and Tuesday, while the lower-seeded squad will host a nail-biting Game 3 on Saturday if it comes to that. Let’s dive into the matchups in Classes 7A-5A featuring local teams.
Class 7A
Region 2
No. 7 Alonso (19-11) at No. 1 Venice (28-3), 7 PM
The powerhouse Venice takes center stage as they aim to protect their impressive season when they face the resilient Alonso team.
Ranked as Florida’s second-best regardless of classification, Venice has been nearly unbeatable, boasting a staggering record of outscoring opponents 217-39 thanks to their elite pitching staff, which boasts a collective 1.21 ERA.
Alonso has come through some intense playoff series, overcoming Windermere in three games during the quarterfinals and sweeping Sarasota in the semifinals. Known for their competitive edge, they’ve participated in four tight contests over the last eight games, with four decided by just a single run.
Speedster Daniel Despaine, batting .458 with 24 stolen bases, will be key for Alonso as they go up against Venice’s tight defense, which has made only 21 errors this season for an outstanding .988 fielding percentage.
These teams have had differing outcomes against common opponents, with Venice claiming victories in five games against Newsome and Sarasota, while Alonso managed to split their four encounters with those schools.
Class 6A
Region 2
No. 2 Viera (22-11) at No. 1 Bloomingdale (26-5), 7 PM
Bloomingdale is on a mission to get back to the state final four, and they continue that journey in this regional final.
The Bulls, who made the state semifinals last season, have caught fire recently, winning 10 out of their last 12 games. After sweeping Horizon in the quarterfinals, they battled hard to get past Lake Minneola in a three-game semifinal series.
Bloomingdale’s winning streak relies heavily on a formidable pitching lineup featuring Hayden Porter (0.60 ERA), Javier Navas-Hoyer (1.27), and James Osting (1.48). Together, they’ve restricted opponents to just 43 runs for the season, resulting in an impressive .839 winning percentage.
On the other hand, Viera has made it this far by combining timely hitting with solid defensive plays. The Hawks, who haven’t reached a regional final since 2019, are looking strong on the road with a record of 10-8.
Notably, the teams haven’t faced common opponents this season, making this matchup even more intriguing. Bloomingdale holds a solid home record of 16-4, giving them an added advantage.
Region 3
No. 6 Wharton (25-6) at No. 1 Sickles (24-9), 7 PM
In a battle of experience versus momentum, Sickles gets ready to host Wharton!
The Gryphons are no strangers to the spotlight, reaching the regional finals for the fourth consecutive year under coach Eric Luksis.
Sickles fought hard to arrive here, winning vital third games against Palmetto in the quarterfinals and East Lake in the semifinals. Their offensive strength lies in speedster Jordan Yost, who boasts a .435 batting average, 44 runs scored, and 26 stolen bases.
Wharton comes into this game as one of the hottest teams in Tampa Bay, winning eight of their last ten matches. After sweeping Parrish in the quarterfinals, they clinched two of three games in a challenging semifinal series against Plant.
Power hitters Antonio Fawcett (seven home runs) and Justis Meadows (five homers) lead a lineup that averages over seven runs per game, making them a potent offensive threat.
In their earlier meeting this season, Wharton narrowly edged Sickles in a 2-1 pitchers’ duel, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch tonight.
Class 5A
No. 7 River Ridge (17-8) at No. 5 Wesley Chapel (16-13), 7 PM
These teams had a split in their regular-season matchups: Wesley Chapel won 4-1 in February, but River Ridge struck back with a dominating 14-4 win in April.
River Ridge is trending upward, having swept Sebring in the region quarterfinals and Springstead in the semifinals. Leading the charge is Cameron Kessell, batting .385 with six home runs this season, while Jacob Hitchcock and Conner Hagen dazzle on the mound with nearly unassailable 1.07 ERAs.
Wesley Chapel faced a tougher road to reach the regional final, winning tight third games against Daytona Beach Seabreeze and Winter Springs. Their depth in pitching shines, highlighted by talents like Chase Flemming (1.21 ERA), Aiden Nguyen (2.12), and JoJo Guevara (2.75).
Interestingly, River Ridge performs better away, with a strong 10-2 record on the road, while Wesley Chapel maintains an edge in district play with a .750 winning percentage compared to River Ridge’s .600.
Conclusion
Tonight’s games promise excitement, with fierce competition and team pride on the line. As the playoffs unfold, every pitch and swing carries the hopes of players and fans alike. Let’s see who rises to the occasion and moves closer to the championship!
FAQs
When are the playoffs happening?
The region finals will take place tonight, with Games 1 and 2 on Monday and Tuesday, and a potential Game 3 on Saturday.
Who are the key players to watch?
Look out for Daniel Despaine from Alonso, Jordan Yost from Sickles, and Cameron Kessell from River Ridge—they’re all making waves this season!
How can I watch the games?
Check your local listings for broadcasts or consider attending the games for an up-close experience!
