WPIAL might expand baseball, softball playoffs

By GEORGE GUIDO

Trib Total Media

With less than two weeks left in the WPIAL baseball and softball regular season, this might be a good time to go over playoff qualification.

Except it could change within the next few days.

The league originally issued guidelines stating the top four teams in each section will make the playoffs. But with some school districts canceling games because of covid-19 outbreaks, the WPIAL will consider letting in any teams that wish to participate, much like basketball season.

The WPIAL practically has three calendar weeks to complete the playoffs — scheduled to begin May 17 — so there would be enough time to complete an open tournament.

That aside, if the original plan holds, the top four teams from each section will be in the postseason. If there is a tie for the final qualifying position, head-to-head competition will be the top tiebreaker. If the season’s series is split between the teams, both will go.

If three or more teams are tied, head-to-head still is the chief consideration. If one team has a superior mark in head-to-play, that team will go and if there are any playoff spots left, the remaining teams will then consider their head-to-head play. If the tie persists, all teams will go.

Keep in mind only section games are considered.

As for PIAA playoff qualification in baseball and softball:

The top three teams in the WPIAL bracket in classes 4A, 3A and A will go to the state tournament. The finalists will be in and the two semifinal losers will play a consolation game.

All four WPIAL semifinalists in classes 5A and 2A will go. As for 6A, only the two finalists will qualify.