By Jim Henry

jhenry@joplinglobe.com

It’s been almost automatic.

Since 1998 Carl Junction and Webb City have been the dominant teams in their district baseball tournament. In fact, either the Bulldogs or Cardinals have been district champion during the last 10 years except in 2001 (McDonald County) and 2003 (Nevada).

Webb City (20-5), the No. 1 seed, and Carl Junction (19-5), seeded second, square off today to decide the Class 3 District 12 Tournament championship. First pitch is at 1 p.m. at Carl Lewton Stadium in Carthage.

The Cardinals have beaten the Bulldogs twice this year, ironically, both times in Carthage. Webb City won 8-4 in a schedule addition after several early season rainouts and 5-0 in the Bill O’Dell Tournament.

“We’ve played more games this year in Carthage than we have at home,” Webb City coach Shawn Mayes said.

Two seniors, right-hander Brett Richardson for Webb City and left-hander Zak Porath for Carl Junction, are the probable starting pitchers.

Richardson (7-0) has allowed 33 hits and struck out 36 in 42 innings.

“The big thing for Brett is he’s only walked eight people,” Mayes said.

Porath has won seven of nine decisions. One of his losses came in the first meeting against the Cardinals.

“Zak has good velocity, good movement on his fastball,” Bulldogs head coach Flave Darnell said. “He’s a competitor. He’s determined to get the job done.”

“Any time Zak is on the mound, we have to bring our A game offensively because he is going to bring his A game,” Mayes said. “Carl Junction is a solid defensive club. We have to be ready to play.”

Austin Lepper leads the Cardinal offense with a .550 batting average. Chance Sossamon, who pitched a one-hitter in a 10-0 semifinal victory over Carthage, and Darren Aggus are hitting .465 and .415, respectively.

“Webb City is a well-coached team ... good athletes with good speed,” Darnell said. “We need to come ready to go to beat those guys.