Will it be bats or arms in MSL?

Two of the most potent lineups in Mid-Suburban League baseball could put on an entertaining offensive show in today's 11 a.m. championship game at Schaumburg.

But the last two meetings between West champion Schaumburg (19-6) and East champ Rolling Meadows (17-9) have produced a grand total of 4 runs.

So with each team's top pitchers rested and ready to go, this year's battle for the title could be perfect for fans of tense, low-scoring duels.

Junior left-hander Jon Carlson (3-0, 3.31 ERA) will try to add Meadows' MSL record 10 titles with its first since 2000.

Schaumburg is looking for its fourth title and first back-to-back crowns in its history behind senior righty George Kalousek (6-2, 3.09).

"I think we are the two best teams in the league," said Schaumburg coach Paul Groot. "You're going to see some good pitching and if George throws like he has been I feel real confident."

Meadows junior Ted Metzger (4-1, 4.30) outdueled Schaumburg senior lefty Andy Brandt (7-2, 2.02) in a 2-1 MSL crossover April 21. Both will also be available.

Last year Carlson threw 6 scoreless innings as the Saxons won 1-0 in 8 innings.

"They've got a powerful lineup with nine guys who can hit," said Meadows coach Jim Lindeman. "I think we can swing the bats a little bit and I know they can swing the bats."

Carlson had one of his best games last Friday at Buffalo Grove as he allowed only 1 hit with 9 strikeouts and 5 walks in 6 innings.

Carlson, who has 50 strikeouts and 23 walks in 42½ innings, will try to neutralize powerful lefty bats in Purdue-bound catcher Dominick D'Agata (.472, 6 homers, 29 RBI) and first baseman Mike Mistrata (.446, 6 HR, 28 RBI).

Slick-fielding shortstop Dave Compitello (.479), Kalousek (.391, 7 HR, 24 RBI), second baseman Kyle Pusateri (.391, 4 HR, 16 RBI) and outfielders Steve Mahler (.415, 3 HR, 20 RBI) and Dan Launhardt (.313) don't give pitchers much wiggle room.

"I'm comfortable with Carlson pitching," Lindeman said. "If he throws strikes he can be real effective."

Valparaiso-bound senior left fielder Kyle Gaedele (3-1, 2.36) has also been solid lately on the mound.

Gaedele (.443, 6 HR, 25 RBI) leads the Mustangs' powerful top three in the lineup with outfielder Kevin Serna (.375, 4 HR, 24 RBI) and junior second baseman Dan Lauria (.364, 4 HR, 24 RBI).

Carlson (.315, 23 RBI), catcher Ben Sabal (.349, 2 HR, 22 RBI), Metzger (.370, 16 RBI), designated hitter Garrett Cannizzo (.297) and outfielder Scott Wenzel (.329) give the Mustangs a lineup with no holes.

The Eastern Illinois-bound Kalousek will try to lead the Saxons to their repeat goal after they beat Prospect 9-0 in last year's title game. Barrington (2004-05) is the last of seven MSL repeat champs.

"His last two outings have been great," Groot said of Kalousek allowing only 2 runs in wins over Barrington and Palatine. "He's been snapping his curve off, his changeup he's throwing over and he's got all three pitches going right now."