Follow @PrepBaseballVA
Facebook + Instagram

As we prepare for the third annual Commonwealth Classic, we will preview each opening matchup by looking closely at each team in the matchup. 

The Commonwealth Classic will take place on Saturday, April 12, and Monday, April 14, at multiple locations in the Richmond area. Games on the first day of action at each site will be at 10 am and 1 pm at Ironbridge Academy in Chester and the evening games will be at 4 pm and 7 pm at RF&P and Deep Run HS. The morning games are set, but the afternoon games and locations will be determined based on the morning results, with winners playing winners at RF&P. Monday games will be throughout the day, again based on Saturday results, with the Championship Game being at 7 pm at RF&P Park.

By a coinflip in our pre-tournament meeting, Princess Anne will be the home team in this game.

-->>Tournament Details (Schedule, Sites, Gate Info, Etc) <<--

Benedictine Cadets

 

Not your typical season thus far for the perennial power, Benedictine Cadets. The VISAA DI power is off to a 5-6-1 start this season after yet another state title last year. While they have had some early season losses, they are an inning or two, or a hit or two away from this season being flipped from the current state. They have been in some big games with some talented teams and have been just a little shy of getting that big hit, or that shutdown inning that they need to get back to another state tournament. The pitching staff has had the chance to develop some depth early this season and they should benefit as the season progresses. While the offense has struggled at times, there are some bright spots like Roddrey McWilliams (JMU football), Josh Babcock, Easton Ogle (VMI), and Brady Barrett (Mary Washington). The offense has come in spurts, but could this be their coming out part this weekend?

---

Princess Anne Cavaliers

 

Could this be the dark horse in Region A of Class 5? Early this season the Cavs have piled up some quality wins with a victory over First Colonial, Manteo (NC), and Kempsville. They had a close loss to Ocean Lakes, but otherwise have showed really well this season. As expected, PA has shown some offensive prowess, upperclass experience, and strong defense in the infield, but the question was how would their arms hold up. So far, so good, for the 757 based school. Aidan McKeating and Reid Vandergrift are hot at the plate early this season, and McKeating may be one of the hottest hitters in the beach area in the past year. Will they have enough offense to jump out to a lead versus the Cadets?

What To Expect

This a tale of contrasting strengths. While the Cavs pitching staff has held opposing offenses pretty tight so far this year, it is no secret that their strength is at the plate. The opposite can be said for the Cadets of Benedictine. The biggest question for this game is quite possibly who scores first and who can create a big inning. The Cavs have the ability to strike in bunches, while the Cadets may have a tougher time creating big innings without some help from the opposition. On the other hand, if the scoring starts early for both sides, the Cadets have a deeper staff, so if they are able to jump out to a lead it may be tough to turn the tide versus those arms. Like most matchups that we are looking at, these teams have a lighter week this week and that should allow for all hands to be on deck this upcoming weekend.