Spring is springing with wet weather this week, but the action is heating up in Greater Cincinnati high school baseball. Here is the latest power rankings.
Records are through April 29.
10. Indian Hill Braves (10-3)
The Braves took losses to Harrison and Roger Bacon but are tied for first in the Cincinnati Hills League with Madeira, a team they play twice this week.
Last ranking: 8
Upcoming schedule: vs. Madeira (April 29), at Madeira (April 30), at Deer Park (May 4).
9. St. Xavier Bombers (11-4)
The Bombers won the annual Jesuit Cup tournament in Toledo over the weekend, then rallied from 6-1 down to beat La Salle 7-6 in a key league game on a walk-off hit from Logan Von Holle.
Last ranking: Unranked
Upcoming schedule: at La Salle (April 29), vs. Fairmont (May 2), vs. Moeller at Day Air Ballpark (May 3).
8. Fairfield Indians (11-4)
The Indians remain tied with Oak Hills atop the Greater Miami Conference after they split two games last week. Oak Hills won 14-4, then senior Alex Brehm shut down the Highlanders with a one-hit shutout. Fairfield started the week by sweeping two games from Lakota West.
Last ranking: 9
Upcoming schedule: vs. Mason (April 29), at Mason (May 1), at Princeton (May 4).
7. Beechwood Tigers (19-7)
The Tigers continue to be the class of the Ninth Region with a 12-2 record in regional play. They finished as runner-up in the All “A” Classic state tournament, winning games 4-0 and 5-1 and losing 4-2 to University Heights in the final.
Last ranking: 6
Upcoming schedule: vs. Simon Kenton at Thomas More Stadium (April 30), at Prestonsburg (May 2), at Covington Catholic (May 5).
6. Turpin Spartans (14-1)
Turpin is tied with Loveland atop the Eastern Cincinnati Conference as the teams face each other twice this week. The Spartans rallied for a 4-3 walkoff win over West Clermont April 24 then shut out McNicholas 8-0.
Last ranking: 7
Upcoming schedule: at Loveland (April 29), vs. Loveland (May 1), at Greenup County doubleheader (May 2), at West Clermont (May 4).
5. Oak Hills Highlanders (12-4)
The Highlanders went 4-1 last week, with three straight shutouts, including a sweep of Hamilton. They split two games with Fairfield, leaving them both tied atop the Greater Miami Conference with Mason at 8-2. In the win over Fairfield, Oak Hills had five players with two hits, Wil Kraus knocked another home run and Ryan Murphy gave up two earned runs.
Last ranking: 5
Upcoming schedule: at Lakota West (April 29), vs. Lakota West (May 1), vs. Middletown (May 4).
4. Springboro Panthers (12-3)
The Panthers were shut out twice in league play by Northmont and Beavercreek, dropping them to 6-3 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference .
Last ranking: 1
Upcoming schedule: at Beavercreek (April 29), vs. Wayne (May 1), at Olentangy Liberty (May 2), at Wayne (May 4).
3. Badin Rams (13-3)
The Rams continue to keep rolling, with four pitchers shutting down a potent Lakota East offense for a 7-2 win. Then Caleb Driessen struck out 12 and threw a five-hitter in a key 6-1 league win over Fenwick.
Last ranking: 4
Upcoming schedule: at Fenwick (April 29), at McNicholas (May 4).
2. Loveland Tigers (14-2)
The Tigers have won four in a row, including two league wins over Kings. Pitching took over for the Tigers this week, with Drew Oerther striking out 12 against Lebanon and Dalton Schottmiller throwing a four-hit shutout against Kings. Loveland has allowed just five runs in the last four games. They remain tied with Turpin atop the ECC standings as the teams play their first matchup May 1.
Last ranking: 3
Upcoming schedule: at Batavia (April 30), at Turpin (May 1).
1. Moeller Crusaders (12-2)
The Crusaders have won five straight, the latest an 8-2 win over Elder that solidified their hold on first place in the Greater Catholic League-South race. Senior Conner Cuozzo set the school’s career RBI record with his 89th, and junior Ronnie Allen had a home run and four RBIs.
Last ranking: 3
Upcoming schedule: at Elder (April 29), vs. Conner (May 1), vs. St. Xavier at Day Air Ballpark (May 3).
On the radar
Blanchester (14-2), CHCA (15-2), Elder (11-7), Lakota East (9-6), Lakota West (10-5), La Salle (8-7), Madeira (12-2), Mason (10-7), McNicholas (13-4), Monroe (10-3), Summit Country Day (17-3)
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Moeller reclaims top spot in high school baseball power rankings
Reporting by James Weber, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
