Date With State: Providence Baseball in Final 4

Over the course of five playoff games, showed why it's the No. 1-ranked team in the state.

After a couple low-scoring efforts, the Celtics' bats have erupted the last couple games, scoring 12 and 13 runs, respectively. But the constant throughout has been the pitching, with Providence aces giving up no more than three runs so far in the postseason.

This team has at least 13 seniors who will play ball in college, and after defeating Edwardsville in the Super-Sectionals on Monday, they could go out champions. The state playoffs are this weekend, and only four teams remain.

So without further delay, programs, getcha programs! Here's your 2011 State Baseball Playoff Preview:

Schedule

All games are played at Silver Cross Field in Joliet, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr.

• 3 p.m. Friday: Providence Catholic vs. Prospect
• 5 p.m. Friday: Lyons Township vs. Mount Carmel
• 3 p.m. Saturday: Third-Place Game
• 5 p.m. Saturday: State Championship

Providence Catholic

• Ranking/record*: No. 1/36-3
• Playoff results: The bats came alive the last couple games, with Providence beating Edwardsville 13-3 in the Super-Sectionals and in the Sectional Championship. Earlier in the Sectionals, the Celtics topped Neuqua Valley 5-2. In the Regionals, and Metea Valley 6-1.
• Players to watch: Aces Matt Trowbridge and Brandon Magallones will likely start the two games this weekend. The Providence bats are on fire right now, with Sam Travis, Dan Potempa and Zak Kutsulis leading the way.

Prospect

• Rankings/record: Unranked/26-8
• Playoff results: A surprise to some, Prospect took down fifth-ranked Glenbrook North 8-2 in the Super-Sectionals to make its first trip to state, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Before that, they had a few close playoff games, topping Warren 7-6 in 9 innings, St. Viator 5-3 and Fremd 5-4. Prospect began the playoffs with an 11-1 domination of Waukegan.
• Players to watch: Starting pitcher Jack Landwehr did well against top competition, and he'll enjoy the rest between now and Friday. Peter Bonahoom and Brian Bauer can hit well for Prospect.

Lyons Township

• Rankings/record: No. 2/35-4
• Playoff results: The offense never truly shined but pitching and defense was stellar, giving up seven runs over five games this postseason. The Lions beat Streamwood 6-1 in the Super-Sectionals and had a trio of 2-run outings by their pitching staff, defeating Glenbard West 7-2, Glenbard North 3-2 and Schaumburg 6-2. To start it all was ace Connor Cuff, who no-hit Bartlett in a 3-0 win in Regionals.
• Players to watch: Cuff is a dominant pitcher, and Zach Remijas is a great second option (along with Cuff, they haven't lost all season). Although Lyons' offense didn't crack seven runs in the playoffs, it's a dangerous lineup top to bottom. It features Valparaiso-bound Spencer Mahoney in the leadoff spot, as well as Brian Kelley, Steve Heilenbach, Mike Pett and Tom Walsh.

Mount Carmel

• Rankings/record: No. 6/32-7
• Playoff results: The Caravan beat Lincoln-Way East in a . A close got them out of Sectionals. Before that, they also beat fellow city teams Clemente 12-2, St. Ignatius 3-1 and Curie 17-0.
• Players to watch: Pitchers John Kravetz and T.J. Laurisch, who also swings the bat well. The Caravan pack a lot of power, including hitters Jeff Boehm, Jerry Jouston and Sam Kint.

*Rankings from the Chicago Sun-Times as of May 31. Records up-to-date.