BASEBALL RANKINGS: Balance Prevails in County

As the high school baseball season weaves through the progression of spring break weeks, it seems clear – at least at this point – that this is one of the most balanced years in San Mateo County in recent memory.

Unlike most years, Serra looks vulnerable. The Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division seems wide open – and with some teams having played just two league games after rainouts, it’s tough to label anyone a front-runner.

With so many uncertainties, this season is shaping up to be a thrill ride. To help chronicle the teams and their doings, Patch brings you a weekly checkpoint in the form of San Mateo County rankings. The top-10 weekly rankings are drawn from all schools in the county.

Records are based on reported games played through Saturday, April 9.

1. Serra 10-7 (Last week: 1) Not getting many breaks in 5-4 WCAL start; lack of dynamic offense puts big strain on pitchers

2. Menlo School 12-1 (2) Bruml (.571 average) a menace in batter’s box – 16 of his 20 hits have been for extra bases, including 3 HRs

3. Hillsdale 10-3 (3) Looks to maintain hot start as it begins catching up in PAL Bay games; faces El Camino and Carlmont (twice) this week

4. Burlingame 7-5 (4) Rookie coach Scott leads Panthers into important early home-and-home against his alma mater, El Camino

5. El Camino 9-4-1 (6) Midseason litmus test: impressive Colts play next four games against Hillsdale, Burlingame & Serra

6. Carlmont 9-6 (5) Sloppy defense a big concern; in losing five of last seven, Scots have committed 20 errors and allowed 15 unearned runs

7. Half Moon Bay 13-5 (7) 6-0 in PAL Ocean after 2 tight wins over Woodside; would take full command of league by sweeping 3-0 Cap

8. Terra Nova 7-4-1 (8) Soph Smathers has gone 11-for-18 in a six-game hitting streak; pitching needs to settle down after rough patch

9. Menlo-Atherton 8-6 (10) Faces Aragon in series of teams battling to reach .500 in PAL Bay; sweep would boost confidence, CCS hopes

10. Capuchino 7-7-1 (9) Mustangs eager to prove themselves against HMB this week in battle of early PAL Ocean leaders