*Note: All records are provided by SDHSBA. All stats and schedules are provided by GameChanger. Digital Z Sports does our best to post the most up-to-date information, but schedules are subject to change.
Monday Schedule:
Madison (9-1) @ Castlewood/Deuel (2-4) 6:00 PM
Howard (6-3) @ Miller (3-4) 6:30 PM
Clark Area (0-7) @ Hamlin Area (0-8) 6:30 PM
Sioux Valley (7-1) @ Redfield Area (11-0) 7:00 PM
Standings:
#1 Redfield Area 12-0 (9-0)
A big game for Redfield tonight as they take on Sioux Valley for the top spot in the region. A win guarantees them first place, while a loss will cause a some craziness. Basically, we could have 3 teams end with 9-1 record in the Region, and it would get a little wild.
Either way, if the Muskrats take care of business tonight, there isn’t going to be any worries. And they have been dominating all season long, with a pitching staff that has a 1.30 team ERA. Peyton Osborn (2.94 ERA) has thrown a team-high 19.0 innings, but Fehi Faonelua (18.2 IP, 1.13 ERA), Keaton Rohlfs (16.1 IP, 0.43 ERA) and Owen Osborn (14.0 IP, 0.50 ERA) have all had stellar outings as well.
The bats are just as good, as Easton Millar leading with a 1.019 OPS on a team that has a very impressive OPS of .894. For the most traditionalist baseball fans, the Muskrats have a team batting average of .338. And no matter what way you look at it, this team is going to be very dangerous in the postseason.
#2 Sioux Valley 7-1 (7-1)
To go back to what was said before, Sioux Valley needs a win tonight and tomorrow against Groton Area to have a chance at the top spot. Madison has 3 games left on it’s schedule and the head-to-head tiebreaker (Castlewood, Hamlin Area and Clark Area). That makes it tough, as even if the Cossacks win their next 2, if Madison wins out, the top 3 teams will end with a 9-1 record. But no matter what happens with Madison, the Cossacks need to control what they can control and win tonight and tomorrow.
And host or not, the Cossacks are playing their best baseball right now. Since May, they have outscored their opponents 86-13. This is another team that hits really well all the way through the lineup and features NDSU Commit Parker Puetz. And whatever happens with the standings after tonight, I would not want to be on Sioux Valley’s side of the tournament.
#3 Madison 9-1 (6-1)
Right now, Madison is on the outside looking for a host spot. If Sioux Valley wins both this week, Madison has to win all 3 games for a chance. They have Castlewood tonight along with Hamlin Area and Clark Area tomorrow. Tonight is really the big game, as Hamlin and Clark are a combined 0-15. If they can win out, the host spot is in reach.
Aspen Dahl (1.91 ERA) is having a great season for the Bulldogs, throwing a team-high 22 innings, while hitting .537/.612/.805. Trey Smith (.472 BA) is also having a stellar season at the plate, leading the way for 7 Bulldogs who have crossed the .300% line this season.
On the mound, Mickale Dohrer (20.2 IP, 3.05 ERA) and Lucas Mork (16.0 IP, 3.94 ERA) have provided some big innings for the Bulldogs this season. Madison is going to rely on their top pitching trio in the postseason, who has the talent to make a big run.
The Bulldogs are going be an exciting team to watch out for in the postseason.
#4 Howard 6-3 (6-3)
Not to be forgotten about in the this crazy region, Howard is putting together a solid season of their own. Griffin Clubb most recently completed a shutout over ORR/Arlington on Sunday, and the Tigers are going to need their top pitching in the postseason. As a team, they hold a solid 2.91 ERA, with Jack Neises at 0.93 in 15 innings pitched.
They also have some big bats in the lineup, with Ryder Erickson (.529%), Kolt Koepsell (.429%), Jace Sifore (.400%) and Clubb (.483) all are hitting at or over .400% in at least 20 plate appearances this season.
Many may say this Region is a 3-team race, but again, don’t forget about the Tigers, who have enough firepower to make a run at the state tournament.
Rest of the Region:
5. Elkton 5-3 (5-3)
6. WW/M/WS/W/F/HH 3-4 (3-4)
7. Groton Area 3-5 (3-5)
8. Castlewood/Deuel 2-4 (2-4)
9. ORR/Arlington 1-8 (1-6)
10. Clark Area 0-7 (0-7)
11. Hamlin Area 0-8 (0-8)
