Previewing this weekend’s state title games; Wright wins Prep Ballplayer award

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association state title games are set.

Starting tonight – and ending Saturday evening – the top eight public school baseball teams in Maryland will step on Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen to compete for their respective class championships.

The teams represent seven different counties, two of which are in our coverage area. All but one school has won previous titles, so it should be another great and emotional-filled weekend of baseball.

Class 4A Final

Sherwood Warriors vs. Old Mill Patriots, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Sherwood run-ruled Eleanor Roosevelt 11-1 earlier in the week to earn a spot in its fifth championship game. The Warriors have won twice, in 2008 and 2010.

Old Mill is seeking its fourth title in more than 15 years. The Patriots edged Walt Whitman 4-3 earlier in the week for a shot at the championship.

Class 1A Final

Colonel Richardson Colonels vs. Maurice J. McDonough Rams, Saturday, 1:00 p.m.

Colonel Richardson knocked out defending champion Boonsboro 8-7 in the state semifinals. The Colonels have made one appearance in the title game and that was back in 2007 when they won it.

Maurice J. McDonough is looking for its second championship since 2015, the only time the school made the title game. The Rams were close last year, falling to St. Michaels in the state semifinals.

Class 2A Final

Middletown Knight vs. La Plata Warriors, Saturday, 4:00 p.m.

Middletown is seeking its second championship in three years. The Knights shutout Fallston en route to the title in 2017. They also beat the Cougars 5-1 Tuesday to clinch a spot in the title game.

La Plata is back in the finals for a second straight season — the Warriors lost to Century 4-1 in 2018. Though, they earned state championships in 2008 and 2016.

Class 3A Final

C. Milton Wright Mustangs vs. James M. Bennett Clippers, Saturday, 7:00 p.m.

C. Milton Wright is familiar with the state championship game, having been there four times since 2004 — the school won in 2010.

Speaking of the Mustangs, junior Hunter Wright is our latest Prep Ballplayer of the Week winner. He knocked in five runs in the team’s regional semifinal win over Aberdeen last week. He was joined by Boys’ Latin’s Sam Grace and Loyola’s Nate Beal, who both had great weeks.

James M. Bennett knocked out defending champion Thomas Johnson 3-2 Tuesday for the team’s seventh appearance in the finals. The Clippers already have three titles to their name: 2006, 2011 and 2012.