First Colonial at Osbourn
Osbourn saw an eight-run lead disappear against Princess Anne in last year’s Group AAA state championship game. The young Eagles, who won their third Northwest Region title in four years last week, take the final steps towards erasing the memories of that 11-10 loss when they host Eastern Region runner-up First Colonial tonight.
It is a rematch of last year’s state semifinal, which Osbourn won, 5-1. The Patriots return senior shortstop Frank Berry and senior catcher Topher Ellis, who will both play baseball at Longwood.
Oakton at Matoaca
No team has endured more trials and tribulations than Oakton, from suspensions to season-ending injuries to starters Curtis Eward (George Washington) and, more recently, junior second baseman Chris Page.
But the Cougars have managed to hold together nicely, going 14-2 since April 10.
Oakton’s powerful offense averaged seven runs per game in the Northern Region tournament. Junior Brandon Padula and senior Chris Despins have combined for 12 home runs. Matoaca is making its first state tournament appearance after moving up to Group AAA in 2003.
Monacan vs. Lake Braddock
Lake Braddock won its first Northern Region title since 1999 with a 7-2 win over Oakton on Friday.
The Bruins, known for their pitching, averaged seven runs per game in wins over No. 10 McLean, No. 9 Langley, No. 6 Robinson and No. 5 Oakton.
Senior cleanup hitter Evan Stehle (Richmond) has a team-high 29 RBI for Monacan, making its first Group AAA state tournament appearance since 1989. The Chiefs are without starting second baseman Cory Minor, who broke his wrist in a Central Region tournament semifinal last week.
Group AAA state baseball tournament
» Who, when: North Stafford (17-7) at Menchville (25-0), 4 p.m.
Monacan (17-6) vs. Lake Braddock (22-4) at Madison, 6
Oakton (17-7) at Matoaca (22-3), 6
First Colonial (23-3) at Osbourn (24-1), 6
