North Suncoast: The week ahead

Can't-miss events in Hernando and Pasco counties.

By Times staff
Published February 26, 2008

Today

Baseball, Pasco (3-1) at Springstead (3-0), 7 p.m.: Who says there are no meaningful baseball games in February? Suddenly, this is a critical Class 4A, District 8 contest. Pasco, a 3-2 loser Friday to Hernando, needs a win to avoid falling a game and a half behind the resurgent Eagles (7-18 last season) and Nature Coast in the district race.

Softball, Springstead (6-1) at Pasco (6-0), 7 p.m.: What a shame that the Eagles-Pirates baseball and softball games aren’t being held at the same school in doubleheader format. If they remain in their current pitching grooves, Eagles ace Becky Powell and Pasco counterpart Colena Lazar could combine for 30 strikeouts in this huge district matchup.

Softball, Land O’Lakes (3-0) at River Ridge (5-0), 7 p.m.: This Class 5A, District 7 showdown originally was scheduled for Feb. 12 but was rained out, which only served to intensify the hype. River Ridge has outscored its opponents 74-8.

Thursday

Softball, Nature Coast (6-1) at Pasco (6-0), 7 p.m.: If the Pirates get past Springstead on Tuesday, this one will be for first place in Class 4A, District 8.

Friday

Baseball, Mitchell (2-2) at Alonso (3-1), 7 p.m.: The Mustangs surrendered eight hits and nine runs in a loss Friday to Gaither, but neither Patrick Schuster (six IP, 10 Ks) nor Ryan Garton (six IP, 14 Ks) took the mound. We’re thinking both might work in this Class 6A, District 7 matchup against the Ravens, one of the bay area’s best teams.

Track and field, Chasco Invitational at Gulf, 3:30 p.m.: Every county school is slated for this annual event, providing a solid early season gauge of the teams/athletes to keep an eye on in the postseason. 

[Last modified February 26, 2008, 00:19:38]