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.