The rush is on.

For the next 37 days, high school baseball and softball teams around the state will be looking to cram at least 14 games into less than six weeks of playing time in their quests to make the postseason playoffs.

For the past week, there has been a handful of games played. On Monday afternoon, there will be 85 games played statewide as teams aim for playoff spots.

Three of the four defending state baseball champions will be in action on Monday, including Class D champ Katahdin, which begins defense of its title on Monday, traveling to Lee Academy. Class B champ Winslow hosts Orono and Class C champ Sacopee Valley will also play.

Defending Class A champ Deering begins its season on Tuesday.

In softball circles, defending state champs Skowhegan (Class A), Winslow (Class B), and Jonesport-Beals (Class D) play Monday.

Skowhegan plays at Oxford Hills, Winslow is home to Orono, and Jonesport-Beals entertains Lubec.

Class C champion Falmouth begins play on Wednesday.