RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers entered this week on a three-game losing streak within Metro League play, including being swept in their most recent two-game series against rival West Park. Despite the slide, the Lancers have been playing solid baseball as of late and should be able to make some noise during the back half of their schedule.

Prior to the three-game skid, the Lancers (7-8 overall, 4-5 Metro League at press time) had won their previous six contests, including four against league rivals Kennedy and Grant. Even in one of the recent losses against visiting Antelope on March 18, the Lancers played well in what ended up being a 3-2 loss in game that went 12 innings.

Second baseman Bro Ahlstrom tosses the ball to Sawyer Nyberg at first base for the force out against West Park. Photo by Rick Sloan

The Lancers began their two-game series against West Park with an 8-2 loss at home on March 25 but followed it up with a decent showing two days later in a close 3-1 loss on the road March 27. The Lancers held a 1-0 lead after three innings before the Panthers (14-1 overall, 9-1 Metro League at press time) took the lead late. Lancers' sophomore pitcher Nate Jones and senior pitcher Chase Morton combined to only allow two hits on the day, but unforced errors late put Cordova away. Senior standout Levi Nyberg scored the Lancers' lone run on the day.

Even so, Cordova showed they can compete with one of the top teams in league, and figure to be in the conversation for the postseason when it’s all said and done.

Junior Noah Oxley puts the ball in play recording an RBI on a fielders choice. Photo by Rick Sloan

This week the Lancers are participating in two tournaments, and will return home on Monday, April 6 when they host Bradshaw Christian in a non-league matchup set for 4 p.m. at Peterson Field. They will have one more non-league game at Fairfield on Friday, April 10 before resuming league play on Wednesday, April 15 at McClatchy.

Perhaps the most crucial two-game series of the season for Cordova comes in late April when they battle Antelope, starting on April 24. Entering this week, the Titans (6-7 overall, 5-4 Metro League) were one game ahead of the Lancers in league standings, good for third place and the final playoff spot given within league.

It is safe to assume that the winner of that series will have the inside track to the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Division II playoffs, or at least a potential play-in game berth.