After 36 regular season games, a doubleheader, and a rain delay, the Southern Maryland Senators have clinched a playoff spot in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League, facing a familiar foe that eliminated them last year.

This game against the Cropdusters, you could say, is for all the marbles. If they win, they advance to the second round to face either the Alexandria Aces or the Gaithersburg Giants, but if they lose, the season is over. 

Coming in as a number four seed, the Senators come into this game with 16 wins and 20 losses, an improvement from last year. Outfielders Carter Groen and Nathan Brewer lead the way for Southern Maryland, as they are one and two in batting averages. Groen is also tied with Big Train’s center fielder Andrew Williamson for the most home runs in the league, with nine. 

Meanwhile, the Cropdusters clinched their third straight playoff ticket this week. They hold the league’s second-lowest ERA and are looking to advance for the second year in a row to the second round. 

The game between the #5 Cropdusters and the #4 Senators begins at 7:00 PM at Regency Furniture Stadium.