Pine-Richland Could Take the WPIAL Class AAAA Championship

The Rams defeated Mt. Lebanon, 8-1, on Monday in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAAA baseball playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports that Pine-Richland surged ahead with four runs in the top of the first inning.

But when it comes to the top seeds in the WPIAL Class AAAA baseball playoffs, Seneca Valley is ranked first, North Allegheny second, Hempfield third and Pine-Richland fourth.

Out of the four, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette predicts that Seneca Valley will be the winner as the Raiders are the two-time defending champions and have seven players who were regulars on last year's team, playoff experience that is very helpful.

Since the WPIAL started crowning champions in 1914, the P-G reports only two teams have won three in a row so the odds are stacked against SV.  

The newspaper also notes that North Allegheny finished second to Seneca Valley in Section 1 and is good enough to win it all.

North Allegheny lost to Seneca Valley twice by scores of 3-2, not to mention that Pine-Richland, which used to play in the same section with North Allegheny and Seneca Valley, won the Section 4 title. 

Pine-Richland has a strong chance at the championship because of its playing ability and past history.

A team from the northern suburbs -- Seneca Valley, Pine-Richland or North Allegheny -- has won the past four championships.

The Rams take on Central Catholic 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at North Allegheny. 

What are your playoff predictions? How will the Rams do? Tell us in the comment section below!