There are close to 120 games across Colorado prep baseball on Saturday. Perhaps none will be more fun to watch, and more important to the emerging playoff picture, than the Class 3A doubleheader action between No. 3 Faith Christian and No. 2 Holy Family.
Already this week, Holy Family owns a win over No. 5 Kent Denver, while Faith Christian has scored at least 10 runs in its past five games, including a 26-9 win over Denver Lutheran on Tuesday.
The games will likely come down to the ability of Holy Family’s arms, namely Evan Genders and Josh Tinnon, to limit Faith Christian’s potent lineup. Seven different Eagles are hitting over .400, including junior shortstop David Bote, who is hitting .537 with four home runs and 23 RBI.
It’s no secret that Eaton rules 3A — in case you missed it, the Fightin’ Reds won their state-record ; they will try for 47 when they host No. 9 Yuma at 11 a.m. Saturday — but Faith Christian and Holy Family have arguably the best shot of derailing Eaton’s dominance.
Barring a split of the doubleheader, there should be a clear-cut No. 2 in 3A come Sunday.
Other games
• Grandview catcher Greg Bird will bring his state-leading 10 home runs to Aurora when 5A No. 3 Grandview plays at No. 9 Cherokee Trail at 11 a.m. Saturday. The Wolves (6-3) have won five of six since starting the season 1-2.
Cherokee Trail (7-2) is led by Mikel Mucha, who is hitting .677, and Brock Schlekway (.588, three home runs, 17 RBIs).
• No. 4 Ralston Valley and No. 7 Green Mountain will continue 5A Jeffco play Saturday at 11 a.m. Both teams have started 1-0 in league play.
Matt Jones has a team-high 23-1/3 innings for the Mustangs (8-3), and has 31 strikeouts against just six walks. Austin Goodenow is hitting .429 with two home runs.
Zach Baldini is hitting .529 with 21 RBI for the Rams (9-2).
• 5A No. 6 Pine Creek (11-1) dropped its first game of the season to No. 10 Rampart (6-4) last night, 10-8. The two teams play again 10 a.m. Saturday at Rampart.
• Arapahoe girls soccer’s shiny new No. 1 ranking will be put to the test against No. 3 Air Academy at 5 p.m. Saturday. The 5A Warriors (9-0-0) beat Mullen on Thursday, while the Kadets (8-1-0) took care of Palmer.
Arapahoe, by the way, hasn’t allowed a single goal all season. That’s thanks in large part to Molly McGough, who is 6-0-0 with 28 saves.
• Paige Amme and undefeated No. 4 Columbine (7-0) take on No. 5 Centaurus (7-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Trailblazer Stadium in girls lacrosse. Amme has a team-high 23 goals. She and Annie Larson (20 goals) share the team lead with 30 points.
The Warriors have scored 151 goals on the season, second-most in all of girls lacrosse. Emma Lazaroff has an eye-popping 50 goals, which lead the state.
Ryan Casey: 303-954-1983 or rcasey@denverpost.com
