The season continues this week for two area high school baseball teams moving on to the state playoffs. Decatur and Alvord survived brutal district races to finish third and capture a bid to the postseason.
Even better news for Wise County fans is that the teams will play in a rare doubleheader Friday and Saturday in Mineral Wells. The bi-district round of the playoffs will allow students and parents to cheer for both schools as the Eagles and Bulldogs chase a trip to the state tournament.
Alvord is the season's biggest surprise. The District 9-2A school rode the arm of pitchers Asa Hand and Trevor Hahn as well as a dangerous batting lineup that includes Colton Oldham, Shane Watkins and Justin Meador among many to cruise to a playoff berth.
The Bulldogs finished 10-4 in league play and will face Peaster in the opening round at 5 p.m. Friday night. The Greyhounds finished second in District 10-2A with an overall record of 19-11.
Game two of the best-of-three series will be at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, with game three, if needed, to immediately follow.
Decatur did not know its playoff fate until the final district game of the season.
In dramatic fashion, the group had to get past an up-and-coming Bridgeport team to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time in years.
The Eagles, who have just two senior starters, met the challenge like a bunch of veterans. They got the game winning RBI by Zach Gage to beat the Bulls 3-2 and move on to the postseason.
On deck first for DHS is Clyde. The CHS Bulldogs are 23-10 and finished as co-district champions but lost a coin flip to determine playoff seedings.
Decatur pitchers Tyler Tobbins and Colton Cangley have done most of the work on the mound this season. However, improved defense has been a key part of the team's run to the playoffs and will be vital against a hard-hitting Clyde team.
The opening game of the series will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday night in Mineral Wells following the Alvord game. Game two is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by game three if necessary.
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