The playoffs are about a week away for varsity baseball and softball teams and many have positioned themselves favorably for a strong run at a championship.
Class D softball is loaded at the top with teams from the region. With two games to play, Washburn is in first place at 12-3 and Limestone-MSSM is in second at 13-2, followed by Central Aroostook (8-7) and Fort Fairfield (8-6). All four teams played competitive games during amongst each other during the regular season, which should make for an exciting post-season.
Washburn and Fort Fairfield meet in a big showdown this afternoon on the Tigers’ home field.
Ashland is another team that has played well, as evidenced by its 9-7 record and one-run loss to the No. 1 Beavers Monday.
In Class B, Presque Isle is in solid, while Caribou may need a win in its finale against the Wildcats and some help in order to qualify. The Wildcats are currently No. 9 with a 9-6 record, while Caribou is 15th and needs to move up two positions to gain a berth.
On the baseball diamond, the Ashland Hornets have moved up all the way to first place following Monday’s win over Washburn. Ashland, coached by Dan Cote, had an 11-4 record heading into its final regular season game against Wisdom, which was scheduled to be played Tuesday.
Ashland is trying to hold off Southern Aroostook and Stearns of Millinocket for the top seed. Fort Fairfield has played very well after starting 0-2 and holds a 9-4 record and the No. 5 ranking in Class D. Washburn is also 9-4 and in seventh place, while Limestone-MSSM, the defending EM runners-up, is at 4-10 and out of the playoff mix with only one game remaining.
The Beavers and Tigers tangle at 4 p.m. this afternoon in Fort Fairfield with major Heal Points on the line.
The Presque Isle Wildcats and Caribou Vikings also have a crucial baseball game coming up tonight. Presque Isle (7-8) is currently 11th and Caribou (6-9) 13th. The ’Cats are virtually assured a playoff spot, while the Vikings most likely need to beat PI in order to qualify. Caribou won the EM championship a year ago.
The preliminary round begins Tuesday, June 9, followed by the quarterfinals on June 11, the semifinals June 13 and the regional finals June 16.
