Looking Ahead: March 25-March 30

No. 4 Cosby at No. 19 Midlothian, Monday, March 25
It was one of our games of the week last week and will remain their for another week after a washout on Thursday. Both teams are undefeated so far on the season, but they will square off Monday at Midlothian. Cosby has a three game week and the depth of their arms will be tested, but their pitchers have been masterful thus far allowing one run in 14 innings. The Trojans have powered up the runs and their offense looks young and exciting, but can they get that same production versus Cosby’s pitchers?

Thomas Dale at No. 16 Prince George, Tuesday, March 26
This may end up being a very good pitching matchup between Karson Jennings (Mary Washington) of Thomas Dale and Buck Forbes (Charleston WV) of Prince George. Jennings is more of a power pitcher that challenges hitters with his fastball and Forbes sets up hitters and understands how to pitch as well as anyone around. The two contrasting styles play perfectly into the setup of their respective teams as Dale has some power bats in the middle of the order and get a lot of their run production from the likes of Cole Garrett (VMI) and Johnny Oates; while the Royals put pressure on opponents from top to bottom with their willingness to battle AB’s, play small ball, and run in any count at any time. If guys like Quincy Sippio and Jacob Farrar can get on early for Prince George it may be tough for the Knights to climb out of a hole with Forbes possibly being on the mound. This should be a great early season matchup of some postseason hopefuls in their respective regions.

Hickory at Western Branch, Thursday, March 28
Western Branch opened the season in our rankings and have slipped up a few times so far this season with losses to Nansemond River and Great Bridge. The meat grinder that is the Southeastern District schedule continues again for the Bruins as the take on an undefeated Hickory squad. Expect to see the Bruins start either senior Antonio Velasquez (Bryant & Stratton), who is coming off of 7 innings of no-hit ball with 14 strikeouts in against Nansemond River, or junior Reid Long. Junior Drew Stanley is the likely starter for the Hawks off of a win over Deep Creek on Friday with senior Mason Dunaway (James Madison) an option to come in and close for Hickory. Dunaway and walk-off machine Zach Dzarnowski are the key pieces in the middle of Hickory's lineup.