Skip to main content

Hanover-Adams baseball rankings through April 9


Now that all 10 Hanover-Adams area baseball teams have played at least five games, its time for the first area rankings of the season. It's still early and a lot could change in the next week or two, but this list shows how the teams stack up so far.

The Top 5

1. Littlestown (6-0)

Until the Thunderbolts lose, the No. 1 spot is theirs to keep. They don't have a signature win yet, but solid pitching by Zach Brown and Chase DiPietro have put this team in a position to win every game and it's taken advantage. Both players are also among the area leaders in extra base hits with three doubles each.

2. Delone Catholic (4-3)

The Squires are 3-0 against other teams in the Hanover-Adams area and sit at a half-game out of first place in Division IV. They're currently riding a three-game winning streak after starting 1-3, and ace pitcher Hunter Keith has looked like one of the best pitchers in the area in the early going.

3. Spring Grove (4-3)

The Rockets have really struggled in the field in a couple games, but they currently sit atop the standings in Division. They've gotten great pitching performances from Anthony Reed and Matt Brooks, as well as solid outings from sophomore Jon Sager. This team is tough to beat when it doesn't shoot itself in the foot with errors, and they'll be even tougher if they can start hitting. They've only scored more than three runs in one game so far but still boast a winning record.

4. South Western (3-4)

The Mustangs haven't had a winning record yet this season, but they also haven't dropped to more than one game under .500. Like Spring Grove, the standings show that despite some struggles, this young team is also one of the better teams in Division I. South Western currently owns second place in the division and is tied with its rival in the loss column.

5. New Oxford (6-4)

The Colonials have really turned their season around since an 0-2 start, especially in the last five days when they've put together a four-game winning streak. Senior Alex Smith has been impressive on the mound, striking out 25 batters and only walking four.

Biggest question mark: Gettysburg (1-4)

The Warriors picked up their first win of the year on Thursday against Bermudian Springs, but it's hard to get a complete read on this team until they finish three suspended games. Gettysburg, remarkably, currently has three games suspended in extra innings. Two are against the top teams on this list - Littlestown and Delone Catholic - and the other is against undefeated Division I-leader York Catholic. It's clear that, despite their 1-4  record, Gettysburg can hang with the best. But can they beat these teams?

Trending down: Bermudian Springs (3-5)

The Eagles started the season 3-0 but have lost five straight since then. The biggest problem has been scoring runs, as Bermudian Springs hasn't scored more than three runs since an 18-2 opening-game rout of York Tech.