The semi-finals for Class Three and Four provide some interesting matchups of teams that we expected to be here, and a few surprises. Liberty is looking to reach the championship game for the second consecutive year after losing last year's game to Francis Howell. Westminster is looking for a second consecutive championship, while Savannah is making their second trip in as many year to the final four and looking for revenge against Westminster.

The teams are all on a roll and both classes are up for grabs. Here are our picks for teams to advance to the championships.

Class 3
Savannah 8                Lutheran South 6

Tyler Wilt will get the start for the Savages in the semi-final game and will struggle at times, but be good enough to hold off Lutheran South. Wilt has pitched in pressure situations the past few weeks, and this game will be no exception. Look for Wilt to help himself at the plate, along with his twin brother also contributing. Blake McFadden (No. 2 ranked player in the Class of 2012) will lead the Savannah offense, and be ready to pitch if need be. Lutheran South will challenge with their balanced approach on offense and good defense, but it won’t be enough to overcome.

Westminster 11      Marshall 3
The pitching of LHP Ben Lovell combined with the explosive offense of Westminster will propel the Wildcats to their second consecutive Class Three championship game. Look for Tate Matheny, Shane Benes, Luke Turner and company to give Lovell more than enough run support.

 

Class 4
Liberty 7                   Rockwood Summit 5

As they have done all season long, Liberty, our No. 1 ranked team in the state, finds a way to pull out the win in a close one. Using their formula of small ball on offense, complimented by a few power hitters in SS Nathan Winfrey and C Todd Hinkley will give the Blue Jays enough runs to get by and give RHP Spencer Schwandt a cushion to work with. Spencer Schwandt will continue his winning ways on the mound, mixing up his speeds and hitting his spots, while relying on the defense behind him to make plays. Summit will put up a fight, but it won’t be enough to overcome, sending Liberty to their second consecutive championship game.

 

Willard 5                  Parkway North 4

This should be an interesting game, with both teams very evenly matched and neither expecting to reach this point in the season. Both teams have scrappy offenses and find ways to score runs, but look for Willard starter Anthony Canepeel to pitch his way out of trouble giving them the edge. Trevor Bowling and Jed Owen should come up big, but the difference wil be the bottom part of the Willard line up finding a way to get the job done as they have all season long in big games.