The two highest ranked Metro League baseball teams, the Sunset Apollos and the Jesuit Crusaders, are set to play a three game series the week of the 22nd. The Crusaders are off to a rolling start in their Metro League matchups with their 3-2 win over Westview and clean sweep over Southridge and Aloha.

The team is currently ranked #3 in state with a record of 10-3. The Crusaders battled through a tough schedule playing Lake Oswego first and West Linn second. The Crusaders fell to Lake Oswego but won against West Linn.

The Apollos are also off to a strong start being ranked #6 in state. They have a record of 14-0 with big Metro League wins against Mountainside, Beaverton and Southridge. Sunset is led by Kruz Schoolcraft and Max Ellerbrook. Sunset will be the toughest competition in the metro league for the Crusaders.

The Crusaders rely on their senior pitcher Mickey McClaskey and star hitters, Preston Miller and Carter Stewart.

Notably, the Crusaders have lost a key hitter and outfielder Kainoa Santiago due to a torn labrum.

“We are feeling excited about our games next week,” Santiago said. “We hope to start the series off strong by taking the first game at home. If we can win the series, our chances of winning Metro look promising.”

Senior starting pitcher and University of La Verne commit, Mickey McClaskey, feels players need to lean on their roles for the series victory.

“My role is to keep the dugout constantly engaged in the game and I feel if we do the little things right and play Jesuit baseball then we will win the series,” said McClaskey.

The games will take place on April 23rd, 24th and 25th at 5pm.