Ah, playoffs. The time of year we find out who rises to the top. In Class AA, there are no longer any play-in games, as it’s headed straight to the quarterfinals for a three-game series. There is a long way to go until the County Championship, but for now, let’s break down the remaining eight teams.
Quarterfinals:
#8 Baldwin vs. #1 Port Washington
Considering Port Washington just swept Baldwin last week, this seems like an obvious choice. However, it’s playoffs. Anything can happen. The main focal point throughout the postseason for the top-seeded Port Washington Vikings will be their pitching. Last week, they held Baldwin to two earned runs in three games. Their rotation consisting of Alex Chang, Derek Livingston and Jackson Sattinger shut down Baldwin last week, so expect them to do so again.
#7 Syosset vs. #2 Massapequa
If Syosset wishes to have any chance of pull off a miraculous upset, they must put their faith in capturing a game one victory behind Cameron Mayer, followed by another upset win. If they give Massapequa any chance, they will capitalize on the opportunity. Last week, Mayer threw a one-hit shutout against Oceanside. However, the Massapequa lineup had no difficulty against Mayer when they matched up against him, as they triumphed to an 11-3 victory. Massapequa is simply too deep and talented to be doubted. Not to mention, they’re the defending State Champions and have Travis Honeyman swinging a red-hot bat (.516 AVG).
#6 Hicksville vs. #3 East Meadow
Through the first three weeks of the season, Hicksville seemed as if they were a top contender. With Port Washington and East Meadow next up on their schedule, they dropped six in a row. Their pitching doesn’t seem to be a problem at all, as they held their opponents to under five runs in all six games. However, their lineup hasn’t proved they’re able to hit high-end pitching. East Meadow in fact, has good pitching. Last week, East Meadow swept Hicksville. With Charlie Cucchiara on the mound in game one, followed by Matthew Fried and Sean Kennedy it would be shocking to see the Jets get upset in the first round.
#5 Farmingdale vs. #4 Oceanside
Finally, a balanced round one match up. Although Oceanside swept Farmingdale the first week of the season, this will be a highly contested match up throughout the week. Whoever can grasp the game one advantage will most likely prevail. The main focal point for Farmingdale will be to shut down the Oceanside lineup. Surrendering 19 runs to them in two games last time they played was certainly not ideal, so they must limit them if they wish to have any chance. Farmingdale will lean on their ace Justin Rosner. Oceanside on the other hand, will trust Jake Reyer and Noah Eisel to shut down the Dalers lineup. Not to mention, they have plenty of All-County players in their lineup such as Chris Siklas, Austin Vlahakis, Jake Lazzaro and Leo Alvarez. This will be an exciting series to watch.
Predictions:
Quarterfinals:
#1 Port Washington defeats #8 Baldwin (2-0)
#2 Massapequa defeats #7 Syosset (2-0)
#3 East Meadow defeats #6 Hicksville (2-0)
#4 Oceanside defeats #5 Farmingdale (2-1)
Semifinals:
#4 Oceanside defeats #1 Port Washington (2-1)
#2 Masspaequa defeats #3 East Meadow (2-1)
County Championship:
#2 Massapequa defeats #4 Oceanside (2-0)
