The WIAA playoffs are coming down to the wire in the Badger State, as Regional play has come to a conclusion after an eventful week. Many of the top seeds survived their first couple of rounds of action—emerging as Sectional contenders come Tuesday, June 4. 

With the talent that has evolved and will be showcased on Tuesday, the Prep Baseball Wisconsin staff will be rolling out preview pieces beforehand.

The Oshkosh Sectional presents two teams in the Power 25 rankings in No. 4 Hartford and No. 10 Manitowoc Lincoln, along with a pair of bubble teams between Menasha and Neenah, which sets up for a loaded day of action this upcoming week. 

HARTFORD (22-2)

With an impressive 22-2 overall record and a 17-1 conference record, Hartford has rolled through this season with little resistance and they are looking to keep their best season in recent memory rolling all the way back into the state tournament. Led by junior RHP/INF Carter Kutz (2025; Nebraska commit) and two-way INF Aidan Kolb (2026), the Orioles got off to a quality start and have stayed hot throughout the year. Their biggest contributor though on both sides of the ball is RHP/C Brandon Pohl (2024), who led the team in batting average and earned run average clearly making notable contributions both at the plate and on the mound. 

OF RJ Thomae (2024; Valparaiso) is a savvy veteran who presents himself at the top of the order for Hartford—showcasing the consistent ability to reach base and be a table-setter. Defensively, Thomae has put together another solid season out in centerfield, adding to the depth of this unit. 

All year, the Orioles were strong on the offensive side and on the mound posting a strong team batting average of .316 and a stellar ERA of 2.56, both of which propelled this team to its phenomenal regular season. They are hoping to keep this kind of production in the Sectionals and onto the State Tournament. 

Hartford will take on Menasha in the semifinal, beginning at 10:00 AM at EJ Schneider Field. 

MENASHA (17-5)

Boasting a strong 17-5 record on the season, the Bluejays have battled through the playoffs so far—winning each game by no more than two runs. Menasha has a lot to prove being the lowest seed in this Sectional, but they should be up to the challenge and will not go down easy in their first game against Hartford. After winning so many close games recently and throughout the season, it hasn't been easy for them to get to this point of the season and after overcoming many difficult games to eventually win the Bay Conference. 

One prospect the Bluejays will lean on heavily is INF Ty Carlson (2024; Madison JC), who was a force at the top of the order in their win against West Bend East—finishing 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the Regional Final. With a smooth right-handed swing, Carlson drives the ball to all fields and has been an on base machine for Menasha this year with an impressive .372 OBP. 

Another very impressive player is two-way standout in RHP Ian Dohms (2024; Coastal Alabama-South CC). After a very strong 5.2 innings against West Bend East, the right-hander only gave up one run last time out, as he will certainly be relied upon on the mound at some point in this Sectional. 1B/LHP Quinn Ludvigsen (2024; Minnesota State-Mankato) is another two-way prospect who has shined at the top of the order and rotation for Menasha—continuing to provide a spark in this recent playoff run. 

After back-to-back hits turned in by INF Ty Carlson (2024; @mcpackbaseball commit) and 1B Quinn Ludvigsen (2024; Minnesota State-Mankato), it’s RHP Ian Dohms (2024; Coastal Alabama-South CC) who clutches up to give Menasha the lead.

In the fifth: @MenashaBase 3️⃣ | WBE 1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/PV9fezm28F

— Prep Baseball Wisconsin (@PrepBaseballWI) May 30, 2024

NEENAH (20-8)

After a very impressive 20-8 year, the Rockets too are looking for that coveted bid to the State Tournament. After rattling off an impressive nine wins in a row up to this point, Neenah is the hottest they've been all year at the perfect time, and have proven that they will be no easy task to beat come Sectionals. The wins on this unparalleled hot streak have come in many different ways with some games only winning by one single run and others crushing teams in very convincing fashion proving that the Rockets can beat you in a multitude of ways. 

LHP/OF AJ Price (2024; St. Cloud State University) has been the headliner for Neenah—emerging as one of their top arms, in addition to being their leadoff hitter. The senior was 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs in their Regional Final victory versus Slinger. Price currently boasts a 1.126 OPS as one of the Rockets’ top hitters.

Another couple of senior prospects to watch on the offensive side of the ball are INF's Ethan Van Dyke (2024) and Trevor Stichman (2024), posting quality numbers as everyday starters for Neenah. Their leadership and prowess on the diamond has elevated the Rockets’ level of play in this postseason stretch. INF/RHP Mack Krause (2026) is another uncommitted name-to-know within the program, coming off of a strong showcase season over the winter. 

Neenah will follow game one of the day in a battle with a strong Manitowoc Lincoln team, looking to get started at 1:00 PM. 

MANITOWOC LINCOLN (22-4)

Coming in at an impressive No. 10 in the latest Power 25 rankings with a standout 22-4 record, the Ships have had quite the season and are looking to keep it going as this Sectional begins. After a blazing hot start going 17-1 in their first 18, Manitowoc Lincoln did not slow down much, only losing three more games the entire year. 

The key to this team's success hinges on their stars performing under the bright playoff lights. INF/RHP Brayden Steinbecker (2025), continuing his dominance on the mound. With an outstanding ERA of 0.86 so far this season he has been a top contributor on the mound along with RHP/INF Cade Grapentine (2026), who boasts an also impressive 0.93 ERA in 15 innings of work. 

They will rely upon their leader in two-way stud RHP/INF Noah Wech (2024; Oklahoma State), who leads the team in nearly every major offensive category notably posting multiple stolen bases to go along with an otherworldly .500 OBP. His presence on the mound has been strong as well, where Wech has showcased an elite arsenal throughout the entirety of the 2024 season. 

Noah Wech [5/23/24]

None of these teams have an easy path to the State Tournament, as each of these teams have gotten hot at the right time and it will be a hard fought sectional for whoever comes out on top. The championship game at EJ Schneider Field will take place at 4:00 PM.

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