By Dean Jones Jr. The Baltimore Sun

4:02 p.m. EDT, March 18, 2013
1. Calvert Hall

Coach: Lou Eckerl

Last season: 30-6, No. 1

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Postseason: MIAA A Conference champion

Outlook: After returning to the top of the conference in 2012, the Cardinals enter as the favorite to slug their way to another title. Senior catcher Alex Murphy could set several offensive records. Senior outfielder Ron Farley batted .733 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs in the playoffs last year.

2. Glenelg

Coach: Dave Boteler

Last season: 19-5, No. 8

Postseason: Class 2A South regional finalist

Outlook: With most of their players returning, the Gladiators hope to improve on last season's 1-0 loss to Patuxent in the regional final, Boteler said. Junior Tyler Hoeflich batted .347 with a team-leading 26 RBIs last season. The right-hander was 2-2 with a 1.94 ERA.

3. Archbishop Curley

Coach: Brooks Norris

Last season: 19-12, No. 3

Postseason: MIAA A Conference runner-up

Outlook: A pair of left-handed pitchers -- junior Zack Ridgely (58 strikeouts in 58 innings in 2012) and senior J.D. Caulkins (4-4, 3.71 ERA) -- lead the Friars as they look to build on last year's success despite the graduation of several key contributors.

4. South River

Coach: Ken Dunn

Last season: 13-9, unranked

Postseason: Class 4A East regional quarterfinalist