Class 4

A, B, C, and D.

For Class 4, every region is still represented in the state semifinals. Region 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D each have one team remaining, setting up a true statewide battle for the championship.

James Wood 15 – Woodgrove 8

The final score suggests a blowout, but this game was much closer than it appears. The two teams traded punches throughout much of the contest before James Wood’s offense pulled away late. The Colonels capitalized on scoring opportunities and benefitted from a series of runs that gradually turned a competitive game into a comfortable victory. In the end, James Wood’s bats proved too much to overcome.

Tuscarora 5 – Jefferson Forest 4

Tuscarora jumped out to an early lead and spent the rest of the afternoon trying to hold off a determined Jefferson Forest comeback. The Cavaliers slowly chipped away at the deficit, but the Huskies never surrendered the lead. Tuscarora’s pitching was a major factor, recording 12 strikeouts and making key pitches when the game tightened late. It wasn’t easy, but the Huskies held on to advance to the semifinals.

Patrick Henry (Ashland) 4 – Jamestown 1

This game was remarkably even on paper, with both teams collecting four hits. The difference came in the details. A handful of walks, errors, and well-executed small ball allowed Patrick Henry to manufacture runs throughout the game. Rather than relying on extra-base power, the Patriots steadily applied pressure and turned small opportunities into scoring chances. Those “paper-cut” runs eventually proved to be the difference as Patrick Henry moved on.

Gloucester 6 – Dinwiddie 0

Gloucester delivered one of the most dominant performances of the quarterfinal round, shutting out Dinwiddie while holding the Generals hitless. The Dukes collected nine hits of their own and controlled the game from start to finish. With strong pitching and a productive offense, Gloucester never allowed Dinwiddie to gain any momentum and punched its ticket to the final four.

Friday Semifinal Preview

The first semifinal features James Wood against Gloucester. James Wood arrives after an offensive explosion that produced 15 runs in its quarterfinal victory, while Gloucester advanced with perhaps the most dominant pitching performance of the round, holding Dinwiddie hitless while collecting nine hits of its own. This matchup pits one of the hottest offenses remaining in the tournament against a team that excelled in all phases of the game. If Gloucester can slow down the James Wood bats, the Dukes will like their chances. If the Colonels continue swinging as they did on Tuesday, runs could come in bunches.

The second semifinal matches Tuscarora against Patrick Henry (Ashland). Tuscarora survived a tense one-run game against Jefferson Forest behind a 12-strikeout performance in the circle, while Patrick Henry advanced through disciplined play and timely execution. Neither team is likely to beat itself, making this one of the more intriguing matchups of the weekend. Tuscarora may have the edge in strikeout pitching, while Patrick Henry has consistently found ways to manufacture runs through aggressive baserunning, small ball, and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes.

The winners will meet Saturday morning for the Class 4 state championship.

Class 5

On Tuesday night, 4 was the magic number.

All four region champions won. All four winners scored exactly four runs. And now, only four teams remain.

Kellam 4 – Menchville 0

The Kellam Knights managed just four hits, but they turned them into four runs—all in the first inning. Their pitching staff took over from there, holding the Menchville Monarchs hitless while recording 16 strikeouts in a dominant performance.

Matoaca 4 – Riverbend 3

The Matoaca Warriors continued their outstanding season with a comeback victory over Riverbend. Trailing 3-1 in the sixth inning, Matoaca rallied for three runs and held on for the win. Their pitching remained exceptional, allowing only four hits while striking out 18. Riverbend finishes an impressive 19-7 season, with two losses to top-ranked Lightridge and two more to second-ranked Matoaca.

Granby 4 – Ocean Lakes 1

The Granby Comets avenged an earlier-season loss to Ocean Lakes, a game in which they were no-hit and fell 2-0 on unearned runs. On Tuesday, Granby broke a 1-1 tie with a run in the fifth before adding two insurance runs in the sixth to secure the 4-1 victory. Despite striking out 15 times, the Comets made the most of their four hits.

Lightridge 4 – Midlothian 3 (11 innings)

In a rematch of the 2024 quarterfinals, the Lightridge Bolts reversed the outcome against defending Class 5 state champion Midlothian. The game was a classic, with neither team leading by more than one run. Lightridge opened the scoring with a fifth-inning home run, only to see Midlothian answer in the sixth. The back-and-forth battle continued into extra innings before Lightridge delivered a two-out walk-off double in the 11th. The Bolts finished with nine hits to Midlothian’s six. Lightridge’s pitcher went the distance, throwing all 11 innings, while Midlothian’s starter battled through 10.

Friday Semifinal Preview

In the first semifinal, the Kellam Knights (22-3) face the Matoaca Warriors (24-1) in what looks like a pitcher’s duel. Kellam has recorded 10 shutouts this season, while Matoaca has posted an astonishing 18 shutouts and 10 no-hitters. The first team to score may have a significant advantage in a game that figures to be low-scoring and tightly contested. Matoaca enters on a 20-game winning streak, while Kellam has won seven straight.

The second semifinal features undefeated Lightridge (23-0) against the Granby Comets (19-4), winners of nine consecutive games. Both teams have excelled in the circle, with Lightridge posting 10 shutouts and Granby six. The Bolts appear to hold the edge in power, owning a 24-9 advantage in home runs, but Granby has actually scored 22 more runs over the course of the season.

The winners will meet Saturday morning for the Class 5 state championship.

Class 6

The regional battles are over.

With Tuesday’s results, Regions 6B and 6C have been eliminated from the tournament. The Class 6 semifinals will now feature a showdown between Regions 6A and 6D, with two teams remaining from each region.

Madison 7 – Battlefield 2

The Madison Warhawks used the long ball to power past Battlefield and advance to the state semifinals. Madison recorded only seven hits in the game, but four of them left the yard. In a contest where hits were at a premium, the Warhawks made theirs count. The timely power display proved to be the difference as Madison continued its impressive postseason run.

Yorktown 7 – Independence 0

The Yorktown Patriots put together one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating Independence 7-0. Yorktown’s offense generated 12 hits compared to just four for Independence, consistently applying pressure throughout the game. Combined with a strong effort in the circle and solid defense, the Patriots joined Region 6D partner Madison in the semifinals with a convincing victory.

Western Branch 2 – West Springfield 0

This game had all the markings of a classic pitcher’s duel. Both teams received outstanding performances in the circle, with each side recording 11 strikeouts. The game remained tight throughout, but Western Branch was able to capitalize on its opportunities and score when it mattered most. In a matchup defined by pitching, a couple of timely plays were enough to send the Bruins to the semifinals.

Grassfield 3 – Lake Braddock 2

The Grassfield Grizzlies survived one of the closest games of the quarterfinal round, earning a dramatic 3-2 walk-off victory over Lake Braddock. The two pitchers were evenly matched, both limiting hits and piling up strikeouts. Neither team could create much separation, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. In the end, Grassfield delivered the decisive run and advanced to the final four.

Friday Semifinal Preview

The first semifinal pits the Madison Warhawks against the Western Branch Bruins. Madison arrives after a power-filled performance in which four of its seven hits were home runs, while Western Branch advanced behind outstanding pitching in a 2-0 victory over West Springfield. Expect a tightly contested game where timely hitting could make the difference.

The second semifinal features the Yorktown Patriots against the Grassfield Grizzlies. Yorktown turned in one of the most impressive quarterfinal performances of the week, collecting 12 hits in a 7-0 shutout of Independence. Grassfield, meanwhile, survived a tense 3-2 walk-off victory over Lake Braddock in a game dominated by pitching. Yorktown may have the edge offensively based on recent form, but Grassfield has proven it can thrive under pressure in close games. This one has all the ingredients of a classic state semifinal.

The winners will meet Saturday morning for the Class 6 state championship. Could it be Region 6A vs. Region 6A, repeating the 2025 finals?