PIAA 4A State Baseball Semifinals Preview: Indiana (24-1) vs. East Pennsboro (24-0)
Two of the top high school baseball teams in Pennsylvania will meet Monday afternoon with a ticket to the state championship on the line, as the Indiana Indians (24-1) square off against the undefeated East Pennsboro Panthers (24-0) at Bald Eagle Area High School in what many believe could be the true 4A state championship matchup.
While Pope John Paul II and Montoursville will battle in the other semifinal, there’s no doubt the clash between Indiana and East Pennsboro is a marquee event —featuring two powerhouses with elite pitching, air-tight defense, and championship pedigrees.
Flashback and Fuel
This isn’t the first time these two teams have crossed paths in the state playoffs. Indiana edged East Pennsboro, 6-5, in a dramatic 2024 quarterfinal showdown, a result that surely lingers with the Panthers. Now, a year later, East Pennsboro returns stronger, faster, and still unbeaten. Speaking of stinging, with a win, Indiana would return to Penn State for another shot at a state title after losing to Holy Ghost Prep 6-5 in a heartbreaking loss a year ago.
Road to the Semis
Indiana, the District 7 (WPIAL) champion, began its playoff journey with a thrilling 1-0 12-inning victory over Bellefonte and followed it up with a dominant 8-0 shutout of Central Valley. Meanwhile, District 3 champ East Pennsboro slipped past a tough Archbishop Wood squad 3-2 in the first round before flexing its offensive muscle in a 14-4 quarterfinal rout of Elizabeth Forward.
Ironically, Elizabeth Forward is the only common opponent between the two. Indiana beat them 4-2 for the WPIAL Crown, while East Pennsboro’s bats exploded for 14 runs in their own matchup.
Strength vs. Strength
Indiana’s identity is crystal clear: pitching, defense, and discipline. The Indians have held opponents to three or fewer runs in 23 of 25 games this season, including eight shutouts. Their only loss came carly in the season, and
since then they’ve looked almost machine-like.
East Pennsboro matches them stride for stride in run prevention, also allowing just 45 runs all year. But where the Panthers might hold a slight edge is in run production. Averaging over 10 runs per game, they’ve scored 10+ runs in 15 of their 24 victoriescompared to Indiana’s more grind-it-out approach.
This sets up a classic duel: Indiana’s dominant arms against East Pennsboro’s high-octane lineup.
Stat Comparison
Indiana Indians vs. East Pennsboro Panthers
Category: Indiana Indians East Pennsboro Panthers
Location Indiana, PA (Indiana Co.) Enola, PA (Cumberland Co.)
Record: Indiana 24-1 vs East Pennsbori 24-0
District Champion: District 7 (WPIAL) and District 3, respectively
Category: Indiana Indians East Pennsboro Panthers
State Playoff Scores:
Indiana, 1-0 (12 inn.) vs Bellefonte and 8-0 vs Central Valley
East Pennsboro, 3-2 vs Archbishop Wood and 14-4 vs Elizabeth Forward
Total Runs Scored: 171 vs 249
Total Runs Allowed: 45 vs 45
Shutouts: 8 vs 8
Games Allowing 3 Runs or Less: 23 of 25 vs 19 of 24
Games Scoring 10 Runs or More: 6 vs 15
Most Runs Allowed (1 game): 5 vs 6
Common Opponent: Indiana Def. Elizabeth Forward 4-2, East Pennsboro Def. Elizabeth Forvward 14-4
Last Year’s Result: Indiana defeated East Pennsboro, 6-5
How to Watch
Catch all the action live on Renda Digital TV, with Pat Dougherty on the call. Coverage begins with the ITT Pre-Game Show at 3:30 PM, live from Bald Eagle High School in Bellefonte.
Final Thought
A berth in the state final awaits, but the stakes feel even higher. For Indiana, it’s about finishing a near-perfect season. For East Pennsboro, it’s about redemption and proving their offensive firepower can conquer anyone even the state’s most disciplined defensive squad. Don’t be surprised if this one comes down to a single swing or a moment of brilliance on the mound.
Winner plays for the PIAA 4A State Championship Friday at 1:30 at Penn States Medlar Field. Buckle up.
