PSAL baseball rankings

This is our favorite time of the year in the PSAL season. The contenders have separated themselves from the pretenders. Just eight teams remain in the PSAL Class A playoffs; by next Sunday, we will be down to two teams.

Not only does it set up for an exciting week of playoff baseball, but our rankings will finally have some movement a week from now. With the top eight seeds all prevailing, not much has changed.

For an entire rundown on the playoffs and what to expect over the next few days, read below:

1. Grand Street Campus (17-1) (Last week: 1)

Christina Santucci

George Washington and Fernelys Sanchez are fourth in The Post's PSAL baseball rankings.

It’s put up or shut up time for the loaded Wolves. This team has been here before, clearly one of the most talented teams in the city, featuring top arms and an elite lineup only to fall short of the finals. It won’t be easy for Grand Street to get over the hump as it first meets dangerous James Monroe in the quarterfinals followed by most likely Tottenville, its playoff nemesis, in the semifinals.

Next: No. 8 James Monroe, PSAL Class A quarterfinals (May 29, 3:30 p.m. @ Lane)

2. Cardozo (18-0) (2)

We questioned the PSAL seeding committee giving Cardozo the spot because we felt Grand Street deserved it, but the Judges have proven thus far they that’s where they belong. Cardozo was the only team in the opening round to register a run-rule victory and it took care of No. 16 Newtown, 9-2, in the Round of 16. It will get much harder Tuesday when Adrian Castano, Connor Doyle and Co. meet Brooklyn A West champion Telecommunications, the eighth seed, in the quarterfinals.

Next: No. 7 Telecommunications, PSAL Class A quarterfinals (May 29, 3:30 p.m. @ Old Boys High Field)

3. Tottenville (17-3) (3)

We felt the Pirates pitching staff was good back in March, but not quite this good? In 17 league contests, they have allowed just 10 runs – 10!. That’s flat-out scary. Co-aces Vin Aiello and Mike Sullivan receive most of the recognition, but coach Tom Tierney Jr. has plenty of options in other top arms like Matt Tanzi, Thomas Scarangello, Ryan Patterson and Joseph DiBenedetto.

Next: No. 6 John Adams, PSAL Class A quarterfinals (May 29, 3:30 p.m. @ Lafayette)

4. George Washington (16-2) (4)

The odds were long Fernelys Sanchez would return this spring after fracturing his fibula. Yet the speedy centerfielder, considered one of the city’s top prospects, made it back for the playoffs and had four RBIs to lead the Trojans to a 11-1 rout of 13th-seeded New Dorp. Defending champion George Washington will have its work cut out with them in the quarterfinals as it meets rival Norman Thomas – the two teams split Manhattan A East after splitting a pair of matchups.

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