Top Games: April 21-26

This week we have the unofficial start to the second half of divisional play in the Mid-Penn. At this point only one reigning division champion – Waynesboro in the Colonial – is leading its division.

As the end of April draws near, this week will go a long way in determining who is a serious division contender and who will have to settle to be playing for a district playoff spot.

Camp Hill at Trinity, Monday, 4 – A 12-6 loss to Susquenita on Saturday snapped a four-game Trinity winning streak. Camp Hill isn’t playing its best ball right now. Look no further than Friday’s eight-inning win against winless Milton Hershey for proof. Expect an A.J. Weaver vs. Matt Spiegel pitching duel.

Northern at Shippensburg, Monday, 4:15 – The last meeting went 10 innings and the Polar Bears emerged with a 1-0 win. There’s no question Northern will see Shippensburg ace Ricky Ott again. The left-hander struck out 13 Bears and held the team scoreless for seven innings in the first game. If Ott gets some help from his offense, the Greyhounds will be back to their winning ways.

Cedar Cliff at Cumberland Valley, Wednesday, 4:15 – Talk about a contrast in styles. CV has trouble hitting, Cedar Cliff has trouble with consistent pitching. All but one of the Colts’ wins have come outside the division. After a 12-3 loss at Central Dauphin, the Eagles aren’t doing any better in the division with a 2-4 record (one win came against Cedar Cliff, 13-9). Loser here might fall out of the division race.

Mechanicsburg at Hershey, Friday, 4 – The Trojans have used four straight wins to vault into first place in the division. Mechanicsburg entered the week two games back. The way the Keystone has been this year, who knows where these teams will be when they meet. The only certain thing is that this game, one way or another, will end up playing a role in who wins the division.

Cedar Cliff vs. Red Land at Commerce Bank Park, City Island, Saturday, 6:30 – Red Land swept the Colts a season ago. The second win over Cedar Cliff locked up the outright Commonwealth title for the Patriots. Neither team has an easy week and both have division games Friday afternoon. A fatigued Red Land staff could push Cedar Cliff’s potent offense to a high-scoring win.