By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

We have made it to the final eight teams in each bracket of the 2015 FHSAA baseball playoffs. In the 6A division, there seems to be a strong favorite to advance to the final four, and possibly win it all. The Venice Indians have had a very strong and consistent year, going 26-3 so far and winning big in their regional semifinal game 11-0. Although senior Cole Kragel, who is signed with Virginia Tech, is their clear-cut ace and has dominated on the mound, and sophomore shortstop Shane Shifflett is already committed to UCF, it has been a true team effort for the Indians. On the other hand, the team Venice will face in their regional final is the Hillsborough Terriers. Hillsborough has had a very solid year, going 18-9, but they are still definitely the underdog as they lost their district championship and have scratched their way to this regional final game, winning their first two regional games by a total of four runs, while Venice won by a combined 13 runs. The Terriers are led by two sophomores who can really swing the bat: Tim Elko who is hitting .412 and Nick Romano who is hitting .351, and both lead the team in RBI’s. So even though Venice is likely one of the best teams in the state, regardless of class, overlooking a hungry Hillsborough squad could cut their incredible season short. Venice will host the contest on Friday night at 7:30.

Prediction: Venice

Oakleaf vs Bartram Trail

Oakleaf has a 15-12 overall record and is coming off a commanding 7-1 win over Columbia in the regional semifinals. However, they will be a facing a Bartram Trail team who is 20-6-1 and will be hosting this contest Friday at 7:00. That being said, this is a rematch of a regular season game in which Bartram Trail won 1-0 so Oakleaf not only knows they can play with Bartram trail, but they know they have a solid chance of winning.

Prediction: Bartram Trail

Forest vs Eau Gallie

Forest has had a very good season thus far, going 22-7 and winning their regional quarterfinal game 13-0. Eau Gallie, on the other hand, has underachieved going 12-15. However, momentum may be on the side of Eau Gallie as they are coming off an exciting victory over Winter Haven, who was one of the better teams in the state. Also, Eau Gallie will be hosting this game, Friday at 7:00, which should give them some extra momentum.

Prediction: Eau Gallie

Mater Academy vs Jensen Beach

Mater Academy has had a solid year so far, going 16-10, and is coming off an exciting 2-1 victory over Doral Prep. Jensen Beach Has had a great year, going 21-5-1 up to this point, and is coming off a big 8-5 win over a very good Pembroke Pines Charter team. Jensen Beach will also be hosting this contest Friday at 7:00.

Prediction: Jensen Beach