A remarkable six teams from Monroe County are in the mix as best-of-three state semifinals begin today for high school baseball and softball.

Nettleton is in the hunt for a second consecutive state title in Class 3A fast-pitch softball, joined in the semifinals by Smithville (1A) and Hatley (2A) from Monroe.

In baseball, Class 4A Amory is joined in the semis by Smithville (1A) and Hamilton (2A) from Monroe.

Fourteen of the 20 baseball and softball teams in the semifinals are from the Journal’s circulation area.

Today’s baseball games involving area teams:

Class 6A: Madison Central at Tupelo, 6 p.m.

Class 4A: Amory at Lewisburg

Class 3A: Water Valley at Booneville, 6 p.m.

Class 2A: Bruce at Hamilton, 6:30 p.m.

Class 1A: Smithville at Myrtle, 6 p.m.

Game 2s will switch to the other school’s home field on Friday, with Game 3s, if needed, on Saturday.

Today’s softball games involving area teams:

Class 4A: North Pontotoc at Houston, 6 p.m.

Class 3A: Nettleton at Booneville, 6 p.m.

Class 2A: Eupora at Hatley, 5 p.m.

Class 1A: West Union at Smithville, 6 p.m.

These series will wrap up on Saturday at the other site.

The forecast calls for only a slight chance of rain tonight, but there’s a 50 percent chance of rain on Friday, which could affect the baseball schedule.