Area teams head to state in baseball, softball

Numerous area teams will be competing in the state tournaments in fall baseball and fast-pitch softball beginning Thursday while others are entering the regional competition in the larger classifications.

In 4A softball, Cache faces a tough battle at Purcell in a Super Regional best-of-three series and Bulldogs’ coach Miles Smith is happy his team is peaking at the right time.

“We had been in a hitting slump but in recent weeks we have started to hit the ball better,” he said. “At times we were getting runners in scoring position but just not getting that clutch hit to drive in runs.”

But the pitching and defense have been solid and the coach feels his club is ready for the key series that begins today at 5 and 7 p.m. at Purcell.

In the larger classes, MacArthur makes the drive to Guthrie for a 5A regional today against El Reno at Noon. Guthrie is the top seed and has a first-round bye in the double-elimination event.

Duncan is hosting another 5A regional with the Demons facing Santa Fe South at noon and Eisenhower and Noble meeting at 2 p.m. in the other side of the bracket.

Elgin is in a 5A regional at Piedmont and the Owls advanced with a 3-2 victory over Guymon, but No. 1-ranked Piedmont handed the Owls an 18-5 loss in the second game and can clinch the state berth Thursday.

Altus girls will be competing in a 5A regional at Carl Albert with the Bulldogs facing Del City at 2 p.m. with the winner to face the CA-Ardmore winner at 6 p.m.

Cyril girls will chase the Class A state title beginning today at Devon Park against Arapaho at 1:30 p.m. on Field No. 3.

Also today, Sterling and Fort Cobb-Broxton baseball teams start their bids for state fall titles. Sterling is competing in Class A and will meet No. 2 seed Rattan at 6:30 p.m. at Edmond Santa Fe High School.

Fort Cobb-Broxton will be going after another state title after sweeping the crowds last year under Dale Bellamy. The Mustangs are seeded No. 2 and will meet Caney at 6:30 p.m. at Oklahoma Christian University.