Big Mecklenburg County baseball games on tap

The high school baseball regular season ends tonight and Friday and the Mecklenburg County conferences have some big games on tap.

-- In the SoMeck 8, nationally ranked Ardrey Kell (21-2, 12-1) has a one-game lead over nationally ranked Providence (19-3, 11-2) and reigning N.C. 4A state champ South Mecklenburg (17-5, 11-2).

Ardrey Kell's Knights will try to win their ninth straight game and lock up a championship Friday at home. Ardrey Kell hosts South Meck at 6:30 p.m.

Providence can get a share of the championship if South Meck beats Ardrey Kell and Providence beats Charlotte Catholic (12-8, 7-6) Friday.

-- In the Southwestern 4A, Independence (14-8, 10-1) leads Porter Ridge (13-7-1, 9-2) by one game. Porter Ridge has won 12 straight, but Independence can lock up the league title by beating arch rival Butler at Butler Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Porter Ridge can earn a tie if Butler (12-9, 6-5) upsets Independence and Porter Ridge beats Rocky River (5-15, 4-7) Friday.

-- In the MECKA, Hough (17-6, 11-2) and North Meck (13-7, 11-2) are tied for first place. Hough finishes regular-season play tonight (Thursday) against Vance (1-13, 1-12) at home. North Meck plays at Mallard Creek (10-10, 7-6) Thursday.

Hough and North Meck split two regular-season meetings.

-- In the CISAA, Charlotte Christian (25-4, 10-1) has won eight straight and has locked up the league title with two conference games remaining next week. Country Day (10-9, 6-4) is in second place.