Semi-State Preview

2A

Hebron vs. Northfield

Hebron advanced to semi-state thanks to an Kyle Fernandez walk off single in the bottom of the 7th. On the mound Hebron will likely send ace Cody Hayes to the bump. If Hayes struggles Damon Wallace or Kyle Joyce. Wallace and Joyce are also the two leaders on the offensive side. Joyce is hitting .402 with 28 RBIs and 19 runs scored and out of the leadoff spot Wallace is hitting .462 with 25 RBIs and 28 runs scored.

Northfield won on a run rule (12-2) over Wapahani to advance into semi-state. On the mound the will send one of the toughest lefties in the state in Ryan Keaffaber. Keaffaber has been perfect on the season going 13-0 and picking up both wins in the regional (the first game in relief). On the offensive side the middle of the order features Keaffaber and junior Andy Roser both have big years at the plate. Adam Roser sets the table well out of the leadoff spot and Joseph Ross and Colin Dawes will be important batters at the plate.

Park Tudor vs. Evansville Mater Dei

Park Tudor enters semi-state at 24-4 after run ruling Union County 13-3 in the regional championship game. On the mound they should send ace Madison Foster to the bump. Foster was 4-1 during the year with a 1.25 ERA, 68 Ks, and just nine walks. At the plate the have a lot of hitting led by Chris Eckersley who has had a big year hitting .484 with seven homeruns and 36 RBIs. Kevin Rex (.417, 4 HR, 21 RBI), Calvin Smith (.462), and Foster are some of the of main contributors, but everyone in the lineup is a threat.

Evansville Mater Dei enters semi-state at 17-13-1 after beating Eastern (Pekin) 12-2 in their regional championship game. Early on in the season this looked to be an unlikely spot for Mater Dei to be in starting the season 3-9, but they have rebounded well and are playing very good baseball. On the mound the will likely use Joe Ritter or Austin Knapp, both pitchers threw co Pete games in the reginal. At the plate they are led by Indiana State commit Hunter Owen, but he has been battling a hand injury during the postseason, hitting 9th in their last game. Chase Bittner and Tyler Walsh will also be two key contributors on offense.

1A

Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian vs. Lafayette Central Catholic

FW Blackhawk (22-6-1) comes into semi-state after run ruling Caston 16-6 in the regional championship. On the mound they are lead by Matt Kaplanis who went 7-1 with a 2.11 ERA, 80 strikeouts and just nine walks. Kaplanis got the win in the regional semi throwing a compete game three hit shutout while striking our 13. Offensively they had eight players hit over .300 led by Freshmen Riley Reimchisel (.430, 38 RBI) and Nathan Taggart (.473 29 RBIs). Dru Sebastian and Kaplanis make up a tough 3-4 in the lineup. Their bats will be a key to Blackhawk's success.

Lafayette Central Catholic (29-4) comes in as the three time defending state champions. In the regional the captured aother crown by run ruling both opponents they faced. On the mound they are lead by Seniors Austin Munn and Nick Stone, Munn will likely head to the bump for LCC. The seniors on LCC are looking to complete a four year run of perfect postseason baseball (24-0 as of now). Munn and Stone (both homered in their regional win) are also the two main offensive threats, but the whole lineup is a threat do drive in runs. Andrew Hubertz is another player that could see some time on the mound and be a big factor at the plate.

Shakamak vs. South Central (Elizabeth)

Shakamak (26-6) comes into semi-state after getting a 6-3 win over tough opponent Rising Sun. In the regional their hottest hitter was Trace Fowler going 4-5 in the two games with four RBI and five runs scored. Also expect good offensive production from Bret Yeryar, Brock Dowell, Brodie Crowe, and Luke Sweet. On the mound Shakamak will likely send Yeryar to the bump. He has been impressive this season pick up nine wins to just two loses.

South Central (24-8) czaomes into semi-state after a great performance from Alex Wiseman in the regional win (2-0) over Northeast Dubois. Wiseman threw a complete game three hitter while striking out eight. Wiseman (5-0, 1.48 ERA), Matt Veith (7-3, 2.91 ERA) or Jason Boston (9-2, 1.88 ERA) could get the nod for the start. Boston is SC's leader at the plate having a big year batting .423 with nine homeruns and 40 RBI. SC will also need production from Jordan Yale (.410) and Austin Knear (.363) if they are going to advance to the State Finals.