Beal City’s baseball journey had a bumpy start, but it’s now riding a wave of success. With an impressive record of 28 wins in their last 29 games, the Aggies are gearing up for a showdown against Vermontville Maple Valley in the Division 4 semifinals, scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday. The game will unfold at McLane Stadium, set on the picturesque campus of Michigan State University.
As reigning champions and the top-ranked team in Division 4, the Aggies (32-6) are hungry for another shot at the title. With eight returning starters from their victorious campaign last year, Beal City has dominated the postseason, outscoring opponents by an incredible 62-4 margin.
Their adversaries, Vermontville Maple Valley (29-7), are stepping into the semifinals for the first time since 1975. Despite facing tough challenges, the Lions have displayed resilience and skill, clinching narrow victories in the playoffs.
Coach Brad Antcliff acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Vermontville Maple Valley, highlighting their strong batting lineup and pitching prowess. With an impressive coaching record and multiple state championships under his belt, Antcliff understands the significance of delivering a stellar performance in the semifinals.
Offensively, the Aggies have been a force to reckon with, averaging nine runs per game while maintaining a tight defense, allowing just 2.5 runs on average. Spearheaded by standout pitchers Cayden Smith and Josh Wilson, Beal City boasts a formidable pitching duo.
Meanwhile, Vermontville Maple Valley relies on starters Jakeb McDonald and Callan Hoefler, supported by key hitters like Ayden Wilkes and Camden Carpenter.
Antcliff reiterates that Beal City will adhere to their winning strategy, aiming to secure an early lead and sustain pressure throughout the game.
As the D4 semifinals draw near, excitement is palpable for both teams. Beal City is primed to showcase their talent on the field, eager to pursue another championship title in what promises to be an electrifying matchup.