The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUPS
CLASS LL NO. 3 RIDGEFIELD (20-4) VS. NO. 4 CHESHIRE (20-4)
When: Saturday, 12 p.m.
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
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 won in the quarterfinals against Staples, pitching a complete game and striking 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 lowscoring game.
CLASS L NO. 1 WINDSOR (22-2) VS. NO. 11 WETHERSFIELD (17-7)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
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.
CLASS M NO. 3 WOLCOTT (21-3) VS. NO. 9 SEYMOUR (18-6)
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
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.
CLASS S NO. 5 COVENTRY (19-5) VS. NO. 6 NOTRE DAME-FAIRFIELD (18-6)
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Palmer Field, Middletown
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.