RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - With this week being the final week of the regular season for the Cordova Lancers, the team finds itself right in the middle of a race to the postseason within the Metro League. 

At the tail end of last week, the Lancers were one game out of third place within league play, trailing Antelope by one game for the third and final playoff spot given to Metro League teams. Conveniently enough, the Lancers began a two-game home-and-away series against Antelope last Friday, April 23 as they hosted the Titans in the first meeting. The Lancers made a strong statement with a 2-0 victory that set up a potential playoff-deciding clash this past Monday, April 26 at Antelope. Results of Monday’s matchup were not available at press time. 

Head Coach Scott Ahlstrom talks to his team about the importance of winning their next game. Photo by Rick Sloan

In the first game of the series, Cordova (10-14-1 overall, 7-6 Metro League) was led by the stellar right arm of senior pitcher Levi Nyberg, who recorded a remarkable 13 strikeouts while surrendering just three hits in seven innings pitched. Offensively, the Lancers mustered only two runs, but it was more than enough with Nyberg putting together an outstanding effort on the mound.

Sophomore Nate Jones and junior Nathan Tran each tallied two hits apiece to lead the Lancers at the plate, with Tran as well as junior Bro Ahlstrom each recording RBIs (runs batted in) to bring runners home. For the Titans (8-13-1 overall, 7-5 Metro League), sophomore Kaden Coates led the team offensively with two hits. Senior pitcher Branden Medina gave up six hits and two runs to the Lancers in six innings.

Junior Gabriel Bargas gets the force out at first base. Photo by Rick Sloan

Although the outcome of the second game of the series from this past Monday was not available, the winner would certainly have the inside track to a playoff berth. Antelope finished their regular season this week with games against the top two teams in league as they faced West Park on April 28, and McClatchy on April 29.

The Lancers meanwhile faced West Park on April 29 in their final league game of the season, and finish their regular season schedule on Friday, May 1 with a non-league clash at Fairfield. A play-in game berth is assuredly still at play for both Cordova and Antelope, but each team would definitely prefer to finish third in the Metro League standings and earn a playoff spot outright. 

Senior Chase Morton gets a base hit against Antelope. Photo by Rick Sloan