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Which Middle Tennessee baseball teams could win state titles at Spring Fling?




Clarksville High's players celebrate Clarksville High's Kyle Magrans (5) after his two run home run gave Clarksville High the 3-1 win over Mt. Juliet during the Region 5-AAA semifinal game Monday, May 17. Robert Smith/Main Street Nashville

Clarksville High’s players celebrate Clarksville High’s Kyle Magrans (5) after his two run home run gave Clarksville High the 3-1 win over Mt. Juliet during the Region 5-AAA semifinal game Monday, May 17. Robert Smith/Main Street Nashville

Baseball regional tournaments are in full swing, with some classics already taking place during Monday’s elimination round.

With the Spring Fling less than a week away, we project which teams could make it to Murfreesboro and how far their playoff runs could last.

Here are 10 Midstate squads to watch during the TSSAA postseason:

Class A

Local front-runner: East Robertson (24-7)

Right-handed pitcher and Vanderbilt signee Peyton Smith has been dominant. The Major League prospect was able to rest some during the District 9-A tournament. The Indians’ balanced staff has allowed just three runs in the past four games. Preston Allen, who went 2 for 3 on Monday against Santa Fe, has swung a hot bat ahead of Wednesday’s Region 5-A finals against Richland.

Not far behind: Eagleville (18-13)

The Eagles kicked off the year with a big win over Summertown. They hit a few rough patches since but have gotten hot lately, taking two of three from Moore County going into Wednesday’s Region 4-A final. CJ Bega and Nathan Brewer are two powerful bats, and pitcher Tanner Mabry has been effective lately.

Class AA

Local front-runner: Nolensville (22-10)

Ethan McElvain has carried a sub-1.00 earned-run average much of the season. The Vanderbilt commit gives the Knights a shutdown ace, and Ethan Syling and Tyler Hummel kick off a potent offense at the top of the order. Nolensville has won 8 of 10 games going into Wednesday’s Region 6-AA finals against Giles County.

Not far behind: Martin Luther King Magnet (16-3)

A state tourney berth would be a history maker for MLK. The Royals have steamrolled opponents for the better part of the past month, winning 7 of 10 games by an average score of 11-1. That includes a 4-3 victory Monday over Harpeth, delivered by Caleb Rice’s walk-off single. Harpeth entered the regional with just two losses. MLK plays at Greenbrier (19-7) in the Region 5-AA finals Wednesday.

Class AAA

Local front-runner: Clarksville (31-4)

Monday’s walk-off win over a good Mount Juliet team — secured by Vanderbilt commit Kyle Magrans’ two-run home run — could be one of those magical moments that jumpstarts a special postseason run. The Wildcats haven’t needed much magic during what’s been a stellar spring. They’ve been clutch lately, beating Rossview in the District 10-AAA finals on a walk-off by Ethan Baggett. Clarksville and Beech play in the Region 5-AAA finals Wednesday.

Not far behind: Ravenwood (23-8)

You could easily list Independence here because of the red-hot Eagles’ recent run to the District 11-AAA tournament title last week. But Ravenwood has been a little more consistent over the course of the year, winning the District 11-AAA regular season. The Raptors’ pitching rotation of Lucas Kocian, Alex Sterling and Blake Bevis is solid. Independence and Ravenwood square off Wednesday in the regional finals after splitting their regular-season meetings.

Division II-A

Local front-runner: Columbia Academy (32-7)

Tennessee signee Kevares Tears gives the Bulldogs the most dynamic player — on defense and offense — in every game, as they chase the school’s third baseball state title. The pitching staff hasn’t been mowing teams down, but isn’t allowing big numbers. The Bulldogs have to beat Christian Academy of Knoxville twice Thursday to reach the semifinals.

Not far behind: Grace Christian (25-8)

The Lions have put up at least five runs in every game since April 30. Brock Arender has swung a hot bat this postseason. Grace Christian has one state tournament berth to its name (2019) and will try to secure a semifinals appearance against Tipton-Rosemark on Wednesday.

Division II-AA

Local front-runner: Lipscomb Academy (13-9)

The Mustangs roughed up Brentwood Academy pitcher Tayler Montiel — which is no easy task — for eight runs on eight hits earlier this month. Aden Napier and Andrew Davidson have been anchors in the middle of the order recently. Lipscomb Academy hosts McCallie on Thursday and Friday while it looks for its first state crown since 2011.

Not far behind: Brentwood Academy (15-10-1)

Mississippi State signee Tayler Montiel and Joseph Battaglia give the Eagles two big weapons on the mound and the plate. Wednesday’s quarterfinal against Christian Brothers (23-15) can inch Brentwood Academy closer to its first state title since 2017.

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