Nothing's coming easy

To say the bats have recently been silent for a few area teams is an understatement.

Prior to Tuesday's leadoff home run by Eric Dukes, Carlisle had failed to score a run in the first 19 innings it played this season. Other than the 13-0, five-inning setback on opening night, Carlisle (0-4) has been in every game since. Red Lion and Central York took identical 3-0 wins Friday and Saturday before Shippensburg sent the Thundering Herd home with a 5-3 defeat Tuesday.

As frustrating as the season's been so far for Carlisle, it's been at least as equally head-pounding for Boiling Springs. The Bubblers (1-4) have now dropped back-to-back 1-0 decisions. In both losses - to West Perry last week and to Susquenita on Tuesday - the Bubblers have not allowed an earned run yet found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard both times. Up next is a date with perennially woeful Harrisburg, which should be just the medicine the Bubblers need.

In terms of close calls, Red Land (1-4) has had its share already. The Patriots dropped a 4-3, eight-inning decision at West York on Tuesday in the latest of a season that could be described as a dark comedy. After losing nearly every starter from last year's District 3 Class AAAA finalist and PIAA quarterfinalist, the Patriots have been so close this year. One bad inning cost the team in losses to Northern and Central York before Red Land lost another lead Tuesday.

The season is young but 11 losses eliminates a team from postseason contention. Only teams with .500 records are eligible for the District 3 playoffs.