Play Ball: Here are 8 of the top games to watch in the 2024 Big Bend baseball, softball season
Take off the tarps, it's time to play ball.
The first pitch of both the baseball and softball seasons has been thrown for Big Bend programs and with two months of action on the diamond ahead of us, teams have a lot to look forward to.
From tournaments that feature top teams in the nation, to classic local rivalries, there are plenty of games to look forward to in both the baseball and softball seasons.
Let's take a look at eight can't-miss games from both Big Bend baseball and softball programs this season.
Baseball's top games
March 23. / April 9: Leon vs. Chiles
It's a game that needs no introduction to Big Bend baseball fans, Leon and Chiles's cross-town rivalry had one of its most competitive years on the diamond last season.
The Lions got the edge over the Timberwolves last season, winning the one-game apiece tie-breaker in the 6A District 2 semifinals with a walk-off home run. Heading into the 2024 season, both teams have retooled rosters and have some familiar faces that will remember last year's competition coming back.
The first of the two scheduled games takes place in March, around the mid-season point with both teams likely hitting form heading into the matchup. One of the Big Bend's best rivalries on the diamond, these two games could be must-watch.
April 6.: Chiles vs. Bishop Kenny
The Timberwolves welcome the 4A state runner-up Bishop Kenny to town in a clash between two of North Florida's top baseball programs.
Chiles is looking for a bounce-back season after falling in the district semifinals last year and missing the regional tournament. With a majority of its roster returning from last season, the matchup with Bishop Kenny will be a good test for the Timberwolves who are looking to get revenge for its 5-3 loss to the Crusaders last season.
A Saturday afternoon showdown, the Timberwolves clash with the Crusaders is one game you don't want to miss.
April 19.: Lincoln vs. North Marion
The Trojans have a loaded schedule this season, including a tournament game with the nation's top team in Stoneman Douglas, but one of its best games comes at the end of the season, welcoming defending 4A state champions North Marion to Trojan Trail.
A team with clear state championship aspirations, led by Florida State commits Myles Bailey and newly transferred Chase Fuller and Clemson commit Lucas Cannaday, the Trojans big goals will be tested throughout the season with tough games.
The final home test for Lincoln comes against North Marion in a game that is sure to provide fireworks. One of 4A's best teams, the Trojans are set for a thrilling dual with the Colts in April.
April 19.: North Florida Christian vs. Columbia
The 19th of April is a day for big games for area programs, as across town from the action at Lincoln, NFC welcomes Columbia to town in a late-season clash between two powerhouse programs.
The Eagles are coming off an appearance in the 2A regional final last season, falling to St John's Country Day, and NFC has loaded its schedule in hopes of returning to the same stage. One of its best games outside of its tournament game rematch with St Johns Country Day is when the 2023 5A state final four appearing Tigers come to town.
Columbia won both matchups with NFC last season, and the Eagles will be looking to get back in the win column against the Tigers. Playing first on the road on April 16, the second game takes place at NFC on Friday, April 19, a game that is likely going to provide lots of action.
Top Softball games in the area
Feb. 24 doubleheader: Wakulla vs. Houston Academy (Alabama)
The War Eagles are coming off a 4A state runner-up season and with its young roster back for another season, the expectations are high.
Welcoming one of Alabama's top teams to town for an early season doubleheader, Houston Academy and Wakulla dual between states could set the tone for the War Eagles this season. Both programs are state runner-ups for the respective states and classifications and a doubleheader provides both programs a big early season test.
The War Eagles double header is can't-miss action.
March 18: Florida High vs. Baker County
The Seminoles host the 4A Region 1 runner-up Baker County in a thrilling matchup on the diamond.
Florida High comes into the season looking a little different, having a new coach in Emma Alley and a roster that no longer features Carly Allen, Maddie Mayo and Jaysoni Beachum. The outlook for the Seminoles remains to be seen, but an early clash with a talented Baker County could prove to be a good litmus test for the squad.
With the Wildcats coming to town, Florida High's game with Baker County is a game to watch.
March 7 / April 16: Lincoln vs. Aucilla Christian
The Trojans and Warriors' early-season battle could be a tone-setting game for both programs.
Aucilla Christian is coming off a regional final appearance in the Class 1A state tournament, finishing the season with a 14-8 record. Lincoln finished the season 10-15 and the Trojans are looking to get back to its winning ways this season.
Beating Aucilla Christian in both matchups last season, the Trojans and Warriors' two games this year could provide some fireworks.
March 2: Wakulla vs. Vanguard
Wakulla's packed schedule features a lot of top games, but a Saturday matchup with Vanguard turns heads.
Vanguard is a fellow 4A power, and the Knights lost to eventual state champions, and the team that beat Wakulla, Lake Wales. A matchup that could be seen later in the postseason, the War Eagles host the Knights in what may be a preview of a possible state semifinal.
Be sure to set your alarms, because the Saturday matchup has the first pitch scheduled for 9 a.m., but the action on the diamond should provide enough energy to keep you up.
Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: These are the area baseball, softball games to watch this season
