Regional road continues: Previewing third-round high school baseball playoffs

The Florida High School Athletic Association begins the regional finals for baseball across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, the last step before the final four in Fort Myers. Schedules are as listed by the FHSAA but are subject to change.

Games 7 p.m. Monday unless noted

REGION 1-7A

Creekside (19-10) at Timber Creek (23-6)

Creekside's balanced batting order and deep pitching staff keep powering forward, with Parker Morton's three-run double making the difference last time out. Timber Creek strikes out more than a batter per inning with a pitching trio of Brody Juntunen (8-1, 1.52), Brian Kendall (9-1, 1.23) and Connor Mulready (9-1, 1.23). The Wolves nearly exited the playoffs on Friday against Spruce Creek, but survived thanks to an Eli Buffaloe home run to narrow the gap in the sixth inning and a two-run walk-off shot in the bottom of the seventh. The winner advances to the FHSAA final four in Fort Myers on Friday against an opponent to be determined.

How they got here: Wheeler, Trinity down Bolles; Creekside, Clay, St. Johns advance

REGION 1-5A

Clay (18-9) at Tallahassee Lincoln (17-11), 7 p.m. Tuesday

If Merrick Rapoza keeps up his current batting pace, including a grand slam and seven RBI on Friday, the Blue Devils can beat anybody. They've The Trojans have limited foes to one combined run in the two regional games and the district final, and they can call upon one of Florida's top overall players in FSU-bound Myles Bailey (.333, 6 2B, 6 HR, 1.203 OPS). The winner will travel to Fort Myers for the FHSAA final four on Friday, with the opponent to be determined based on the FHSAA ranking formula.

REGION 1-3A

Bishop Snyder (20-8) at Trinity Christian (23-6), 6 p.m. Tuesday

Trinity Christian won 14-0 two weeks ago in districts, but when Aidan King is on the mound for Bishop Snyder — and that's expected on Tuesday night — it's a whole new ballgame. The Florida-signed senior, the state strikeout king, is coming off a one-hit shutout with 20 strikeouts against Providence. He takes on Brady Harris, Brayden Harris, Aiden Arnett and a Trinity lineup that's as deep and powerful as they come. Bishop Snyder had to use six pitchers to overcome state No. 1 Pensacola Catholic in 10 innings. The winner plays a state semifinal in Fort Myers on May 21.

REGION 1-2A

Tallahassee NFC (19-6-2) at St. Johns Country Day (22-6), 6 p.m. Tuesday

It's becoming a perennial playoff matchup. North Florida Christian eliminated St. Johns in 2018, 2019 and 2022, while in 2021 and 2023, the Spartans came out on top. St. Johns also won a February meeting 4-3, a big night at the plate for the Spartans' George Gilson. Ace Walker has been the Eagles' star under pressure this postseason, connecting for the go-ahead hit against St. Joseph on Saturday. The winners go to the FHSAA final four in Fort Myers for an early game on Monday, May 20.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Regional road continues: Previewing third-round high school baseball playoffs