Central, Sikeston take favored roles into districts

The game is still baseball, but this time, there's no "One, two, three strikes, you're out."

This is district baseball. One loss and you're out.

Teams begin their quest in all four classes Monday when district tournaments open around the state.

Locally, Central will open as the top seed in the Class 4, District 1 tournament at Fox High School in Arnold. As the No. 1 seed, the Tigers obtained one of the two first-round byes, but they're not guaranteed anything beyond.

"I think it's an advantage to not have to win three games for us and Fox," Central coach Steve Williams said. "Hopefully we can take advantage of it and be ready to play Tuesday."

The best mark in the field

At 17-9, the Tigers are the only team substantially over .500. Central, which has won three straight games, may have the best pitcher in the district in senior left-hander John Thies (6-3), but will have their suspect pitching depth tested by the field.

Among those attempting to knock off the Tigers will be Jackson (10-11), the sixth seed and defending district champion. Jackson wouldn't cross paths with Central until Wednesday's final.

Notre Dame, a final four team last year in Class 2, will debut in Class 3. Not only have the Bulldogs been bumped up, they've been dumped in with Sikeston in District 1 at Dexter. Sikeston is 21-1 and the top-ranked team in the state.

Notre Dame (16-6) is the second seed.

"We have to be focused to have the opportunity to see Sikeston on Friday," Notre Dame coach Jeff Graviett said.

Notre Dame has reserved its better play for late in the year. The Bulldogs had a seven-game winning streak broken by North County their last time out.

Another favorite looms in Class 1, District 2. Not only does Oran (16-2) have the home field, but it has a .403 team batting average and 45 home runs.

Oran may get a new test

A final four team last year and the top-ranked team in the state all season, Oran could receive a challenge from newcomer Chaffee (11-10), which moved down from Class 2. The second-seeded Red Devils lost a 4-3 game to the Eagles in the regular season.

"This team went up to the final four last year and was disappointed to finish third," Oran coach Mich Wood said. "Getting back has been our goal from the start."

To find a free-for-all, check out Class 1, District 3 in Leopold, or Class 2, District 2 in Ste. Genevieve.

Bismarck (10-10) is the top-seeded team at Leopold. Third-seeded Caledonia Valley (9-6) is the only team in the field with a winning record and owns a victory over Bismarck.

At Ste. Genevieve, the seeding has the appearance of being picked out of a hat. Top-seeded Kelly, at 8-10, and bottom-seeded Woodland, at 12-7, will meet in Monday's opening round. Kelly was awarded the top seed after going 4-0 against district opponents during the regular season.

jbreer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 124