BASEBALL TEAMS TAKE AIM AT 4A, DISTRICT 1 TITLE

Just because it appears to be a weak district, doesn't mean it's not worth fighting for.

That's the approach that all five Class 4A, District 1 teams take into the postseason tournament which begins today at Sikeston.

Sikeston and Farmington, the first and second seeds, respectively, bring in the best records at 16-6, followed by Cape Central (14-12), Poplar Bluff (7-8) and Jackson (8-14).

Jackson and Poplar Bluff will play each other at 4:15 p.m. today to see which team faces Sikeston in a 3 p.m. semifinal game on Wednesday. Farmington will battle Central in the other semifinal game at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. The championship game will be at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Despite Sikeston's record and the fact that the Bulldogs have beaten every team in the district, the tournament figures to be a tossup with no dominant teams.

But that gives the lower-seeded teams the hope that, if things go right, they could wind up district champions.

"By the way the season's gone, anyone can beat anyone," Central coach Steve Williams said. "It will be the team who plays well next week.

"Our record may not be great, but we've played a harder schedule than anyone else. But now, win-loss records don't mean anything. It's about finding a way to play another game."

"I think anyone could win it," Jackson coach Sam Sides said. "We've lost several close games. You've got to make the plays and we haven't done that so far."

As an indication of how tight this district race is, Sikeston barely squeezed out a 3-0 win over Jackson on Thursday.

"We're last and they're first, but there wasn't much difference (Thursday)," Sides said.

Jackson's only win over a district opponent was against Farmington.

For Jackson and Central, a major problem this year has been their defense. Both have been inconsistent on the field this season and their errors have cost them several games. Central even committed 11 errors in one game this season.

Williams figures that if his team puts together a couple of solid defensive games, the Tigers will have a shot.

"We can play with anybody in the district," he said. "If we play good defense and get a well-pitched game, we can do it. Whoever gets hot and plays the best baseball will win it."

Central will try to figure out a way to solve Farmington, which beat the Tigers 8-4 last Monday.

Williams said he will pitch Matt Welker (4-4, 4.28 ERA) against Farmington, since Justin Cook didn't fare well against Knights. Plus, should Central beat Farmington, Cook will be available against Sikeston. The Mules haven't seen Cook yet this season.

But, Williams added, "We'll throw everyone we have to win the first one."