Ramey had a base hit that drove in two runs.

When it comes to elite baseball teams, the fans in eastern Baltimore County can take pride that there is not one elite team, but two. Last year the Patapsco High School Center for the Arts Baseball Team lost in the 3A State Title Game and Eastern Tech won the 2A State Title in 2007. Both teams are strong again in '09 and since they play in two different classifications, both Patapsco and Eastern Tech have the opportunity to bring home two state titles to the region in May. These two juggernauts met last week and Patapsco was able to come out on top with a 9-6 win.
“It was a quality win for us. We have played some of the best teams in the county,” said Patapsco Head Coach Tony Maggard.  “Eastern Tech is a quality team. A victory against Eastern Tech proves to us that we can compete with anyone.”
The Patriots have started off 13-1 and are ranked #5 in this week’s Baltimore Sun poll. In addition to the Eastern Tech win,

Tech's Eric Heim

Patapsco had an impressive victory at Dulaney 10-2.
There only setback was a 10-0 loss to Atholton out of Howard County. Maggard hopes the team will use that game as motivation for the playoffs.
“Our kids didn't show up. We weren't prepared for the game. We just showed up and expected to win. You can't do that,” he added.
The team is loaded with a strong pitching staff that includes: Eric Ryan, Rob Rychwalski and Manny Prassinas. The offense is led by all three along with Nick Tripp, Andrew Huber, Tyler Sperry and Steve Ramey. Huber is coming off Tommy John surgery and has started pitching again. After an appearance in the 3A State Title Game in '08, the Patriots are ready to head back again.
“Our coaching staff thought we had a chance to make it to the state finals before last year because we saw the potential,” Maggard added. “Now that we made it, the kids realize that all we need is good pitching and defense.”
This year, Eastern Tech has a record of 11-5. While that may sound discouraging to Tech fans, the Mavericks are a 2A team and all their losses have been to 3A and 4A competition. This team should make a run in the 2A playoffs. The team is led by pitcher Eric Heim and the Mavericks are filled with offense production including Jake Mardaga, Nick McElfish, Jerry Cooper and Joey Jones.