What’s coming up: 4/22/24

Posted on: by Big 56 Conference

by: Don Rebel

Photo Credit: @Shaler_Baseball

SHALER, NORTH HILLS PLAY FOR 1ST PLACE

As the final full week of April begins, the races for section titles and the chase for playoff spots heat up around the WPIAL baseball and softball diamonds.

A year ago in WPIAL Section 3-5A baseball, Shaler and rival North Hills were both 5-1 in the section and tied for first place when they squared off in late April for their two-game section series.

The Titans convincingly swept the series, outscoring the Indians, 21-0, in two wins to take over sole possession of first place.

Shaler won the section crown by three games over North Hills on its way to winning WPIAL and PIAA championships.

Moving ahead to this season, first place is up for grabs again when these neighbors collide for their section series starting Monday at Herb Field in Ross Township.

North Hills is alone in first place with a 5-1 section record. The Indians are 7-2 overall and have won five of their last six games.

Shaler is a half-game back with a section mark of 5-2. The Titans are 10-2 overall this season and have won six of their last seven games.

The Indians swept their section series last week against Moon while the Titans split their series against West Allegheny.

West Allegheny and Mars are 4-2 in section.

Watch the Shaler and North Hills game Monday on Trib HSSN at 4 p.m.

HAWKS AND CATS FIGHT FOR TOP SPOT

Monday is a busy day of section games in WPIAL softball with first place at stake in Section 2-5A.

Armstrong will host Latrobe in an effort to break the deadlock for first place.

The River Hawks are 5-1 in the section and 9-1 overall and winners of six straight with their only loss coming against Penn-Trafford in early April.

The Wildcats are also 5-1 in the section and 6-5 overall, however they have won four of their last five games.

The results of three other district softball games could result in a tie for first place.

In Section 1-5A, undefeated Shaler (9-0) visits North Hills (8-2). The Titans are a perfect 6-0 atop the section while the Indians are 5-1 with their lone loss coming at Shaler two weeks ago, 2-0.