The last time the Eagles were in the playoffs was 2011 when they beat Rocky Grove in the District 10 quarterfinals. They would ultimately close out that season losing to Mercyhurst Prep in the semifinals.

This year’s team may be in unfamiliar territory for its players, but it comes into Wednesday’s Class 1A game extremely confident having split with their opponent Maplewood — a region rival no less. The two teams split their games this season, with each team winning on its home field. The Eagles won 8-3 in Youngsville and the Tigers took their game 17-8 in Guys Mills.

The fifth-seeded Eagles enter the game with a 9-9 record after finishing 7-9 in Region 3. The fourth-seeded Tigers enter at 8-8 on the season.

Statistically, the Eagles hold the edge in batting average .336 to .219 and on-base percentage .459 to .371 while Maplewood has a slight advantage in fielding percentage .904 to .855. One statistic to watch is runs per game; Youngsville averages 7.7 while Maplewood averages 5.5.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Youngsville’s Nathan Lucks takes a throw at first base.

Head coach Eddie Dorunda still was unsure of who will be on the hill for the Eagles on Wednesday, but it will be one of two players, either freshman James Johnson who has 20 innings pitched this season, giving up 15 hits and 29 walks to go along with 25 strikeouts, or sophomore Nathan Lucks, who won the game against Maplewood earlier this season. In that game, he pitched six innings, gave up only five hits and three walks to go along with seven strikeouts. Lucks enters the game with a 6-2 record and a 2.79 earned run average with 42 strikeouts in 37 innings pitched.

Maplewood’s probable starter will be senior Stuart Hochstetler, who brings a 2.97 ERA in 37 innings pitched with 32 strikeouts and only 13 walks.

The Eagles, with no seniors on their roster, are led by sophomore centerfielder Matthew Desimone who is hitting a blistering .692 with a .765 on-base percentage. He has 27 hits, 15 RBIs, a home run and 43 stolen bases. Lucks is batting .450 with 27 hits, 26 RBIs, seven doubles and a triple. Junior catcher Keegan Mesel is batting .396 with a .540 on-base percentage. He has 19 hits and has driven in 14 runs.

“After last season, it was a team goal to make the playoffs,” Desimone said. “It’s good to be here. It will be good to get some experience by making it, but we are coming to win. We match up with them really well. We don’t have to be perfect, but we have to play our game, do what we do best and not worry about what they do.”

Maplewood is led by Hochstetler at the plate as well as on the hill. He is hitting .304 with 14 hits, eight RBIs and 17 stolen bases. Sophomore Jacob Woge is batting .395 with 15 hits and six RBIs.

“I felt after last year that we were capable of getting to the playoffs. These guys put the time in during the offseason. It’s truly a testament to the character of these young guys who worked so hard,” Dorunda said. “We haven’t been here in a long time, in fact some of these guys have never been in a playoff setting in any sport. I’m sure there will be some nerves at the beginning, but we just have to play our game. I’m confident we can hit the ball.”

Wednesday’s game is being played at Slippery Rock University with the first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m.

“We worked hard to get here. I’m glad we are on a neutral field,” Mesel said. “It’s going to be fun. Every one of our guys just has to give 100 percent. Give us chances and we’ll be fine.”