2018 Spring Championship Scoreboard
Cheshire is playing in its first state championship in 18 years. Ridgefield, the Rams’ opponent, has never played in a state final (Photo Catherine Avalone / Hearst Connecticut Media)
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CLASS LL
No. 3 Ridgefield (20-4) vs. No. 4 Cheshire (20-4)
Ridgefield High School pitcher Jake Artzt delivers a pitch during a varsity baseball game against Stamford High School at Stamford High in Stamford, Conn. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
When: Saturday, 12 p.m.
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
On the Web: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Championship game appearances: Ridgefield making first state final appearance. Cheshire won Class LL in 1993, Class L in 1992, 1984; Lost LL final 1996, 2000, lost L final 1980
What to look for: The dominant Ridgefield pitching has allowed four runs the entire state tournament. With ace Alex Price starting in the semifinals it will fall to sophomore Matt DeLuca, who picked up the win in relief in the semis, and senior Jake Artzt, both of whom have been dominant in stretches this season. … Cheshire will counter with senior Ben DeLaubell on the mound. DeLaubell, who will attend and play at West Point, won in the quarterfinals against Staples. He pitched a complete game and struck out five while going 3-for-4 at the plate. …Cheshire’s lineup often features six juniors including leadoff hitter Ryan Strollo and cleanup hitter Matt Costello. …Ridgefield loves to play small ball and manufacture runs which is an approach that could pay off in a low-scoring game.
You should know: This is the fourth-straight season the FCIAC and SCC have played each other for the Class LL crown. … Ridgefield coach Paul Fabbri won his 300th career game as a coach in the Tigers 6-1 win over Hamden in the second round. …Ridgefield has teams competing in four state championships Saturday, baseball, boys and girls lacrosse and boys volleyball.
Who will win the Class LL baseball championship? Total Response: 219 Votes
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CLASS L
No. 11 Wethersfield (17-7) vs. No. 1 Windsor (22-2)
Wethersfield’s Tyler Note tags out Windsor’s Marcus Massa trying to steal second base when the two teams met Wednesday, April 18, 2018. (Pete Paguaga, Hearst Connecticut Media)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
On the Web: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Championship game appearances: Windsor won Class LL 1992, 1984; Wethersfield lost 2005 L final
What to look for: The CCC does not hold a postseason tournament so two schools from the conference took it upon themselves to have a de facto CCC championship game at the Class L finals. …Windsor beat Wethersfield 14-4 on April 18. …Windsor dominated the CCC this season and most games were not even close. That continued in the L tournament where they have outscored opponents 32-3 in the first four rounds. … Wethersfield’s University of Virginia bound Jimmy Sullivan has been crushing baseballs this season including in the semifinals where he ripped a 3-run triple in the team’s 4-1 victory over Guilford.
You should know: Windsor has not lost to an in-state opponent since an April 20 loss to New Britain. …This is the first time in 12 seasons the Class L final did not have a representative from the FCIAC or SCC. The last time was 2005 when Wethersfield lost to Berlin. …Windsor High is 23 miles and Wethersfield is just 12 miles away from Palmer Field, hopefully fans will flock for this matchup.
Who will win the Class L Baseball Championship? Total Response: 139 Votes
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CLASS M
No. 3 Wolcott (21-3) vs. No. 9 Seymour (18-6)
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
On the Web: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Championship game appearances: Seymour won Class M 2007, 1969, 1962, 1956; Lost Class L 2003, 1999, 1997, Class M 2011, 1964. Wolcott won Class M 2016
What to look for: Many of Wolcott’s seniors were on the 2016 championship team, giving them experience on the big stage. … The top of the order for Wolcott with Dane Hassan, Nick Trager and Jack Drewry is one of the best in the state with all three players capable of doing offensive damage. … Drewry will likely draw the start on the mound for the Eagles. … Seymour’s top of the order drives them as well with the rare catcher/leadoff hitter in Zack Edwards, followed by the dangerous bats of John Chacho and Christian DeJarnette.
You should know: Seymour rallied from down seven, beating Wolcott 8-7 on April 26. Wolcott lost three-straight one-run games after falling to Seymour but have not lost since…The last time two NVL teams met in a state final was in 2007 when Seymour defeated Watertown.
Who will win the 2018 Class M Baseball Championship? Total Response: 160 Votes
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CLASS S
No. 6 Notre Dame-Fairfield (18-6) vs. No. 5 Coventry (19-5)
Notre Dame-Fairfield’s Bob Karosy (Photo Ryan Lacey / Hearst Connecticut Media)
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
On the Web: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Championship game appearances: Notre Dame won Class S 2009, Class M 2003; Lost Class M 2004. Coventry won Class S 1984; Lost Class S 1963, 1962
What to look for: Notre Dame is averaging 7.75 runs per game in the tournament, piling up 43 hits and 31 runs. Bob Karosy is hitting .615 in the tournament for the Lancers. …On the other side, Coventry has only allowed three runs in the tournament, so, something has to give in this one. … Coventry is likely to throw sophomore ace Matt Cook who has dominated at times this season. Cook struck out 13 batters including striking out seven straight while also going 4-for-4 at the plate in the quarterfinals against Old Saybrook.
You should know: Notre Dame is the lone private school left in any of the baseball tournaments. The Lancers upset fellow private schools No. 3 St. Paul and No. 2 Holy Cross en route to the championship game. …Coventry upset No. 4 Old Saybrook and No. 1 Shepaug on their way to the title game.
Who will win the 2018 Class S Baseball Championship? Total Response: 160 Votes
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