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State Semifinals Preview: Keller baseball looks to take down Strake Jesuit
Keller baseball is gearing up to face Houston Strake Jesuit College Prep in the UIL Class 6A State Semifinal matchup. Let's take a look at the breakdown between the teams per MaxPreps.
Keller Indians
The Indians have posted a 35-7 overall record on the season. After finishing first in their district, they fought their way through an incredible playoff run to make it to the UIL State Tournament. With six athletes posting above a .300 batting average, the Indians' lineup will be hard to shut down. Seniors Gray Rowlett (.393), Trey Orman (.345), Clayton Thomas (.333), Aidan Connors (.369), and Todd Baffa (.304) alongside junior Mike Dattalo (.409) have led the charge all season as the Keller offense has outscored their opponents by over 170 runs this season.
The Keller bats combined with a nearly unmatchable pitching duo in Eric Hammond (USC signee) and Robert Cranz (Wichita State signee) gives the Indians a possible upper hand against a strong Strake Jesuit team.
Strake Jesuit Crusaders
The Crusaders have posted a 27-12-1 record on the season so far en route to the semifinals. As a team that consistently scores behind a great lineup, the Crusader's offense is going to be hard to shut down.
Outscoring their opponents by nearly 100 runs this season, the Crusaders have been on fire. With sophomore Clay Richardson (batting .421 on the season) and junior Trey Duffield (.314) leading the way in batting averages for the team, Strake Jesuit has what it takes to truly put Keller's defense to work.
Prediction
Defense wins championships. Keller's defensive strength will have what it takes to advance to the state final, but not without a fight.
The semifinal is set to begin at 4 p.m. at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.
VYPE U: Strake Jesuit vs Keller 6A State Semifinal Live Audio Stream with Will Turboff
Join VYPE U Ambassador Will Turboff for a Live Audio Stream of the 6A State Semifinal matchup between Strake Jesuit and Keller. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m.
Will is set be joined by former Strake Jesuit standout Colin Matheny. Colin pitched at Rice following his time with the Crusaders, and was a part of the 2003 National Championship Team.
Strake Jesuit swept Jersey Village in the Region 3 Finals, while Keller went to three games with the reigning champions, Southlake Carroll, in the Region 1 Finals.
This game will be broadcasted through Crusader Sports Network, which broadcasts athletic competitions for many of Strake Jesuit's sports.
6A State Semifinal
SJ Baseball Vs. Keller- Crusader Sports Network www.youtube.com