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.
Porath also is the Bulldogs’ top hitter, batting approximately .450. John Michel is at .400, and Jack Luton and Evan Clemons are around .320, Darnell said.
Last year the Cardinals were top-seeded and brought a 23-1 record into the title game, but the Bulldogs, playing at home, posted an 8-4 victory.
Darnell, in his sixth year as head coach, is 2-1 against the Cardinals in district finals.
Mayes is in his first year as the Cardinals’ head coach after serving as an assistant to Bryce Darnell, the Missouri Southern coach and Flave’s older brother.
Sports
May 14, 2008
Carl Junction, Webb City clash in district final
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Outlaws open season Thursday on the road
Chris Oldner takes a cut during the Joplin Outlaws practice Tuesday afternoon. The Outlaws open their season on Thursday night at Rossville and play seven road games before their home opener on June 5.
The Joplin Outlaws and new coach Rob Vessell have set some lofty goals for the 2012 baseball season.
Continued ... - Heat take 2-0 lead into Boston in East finals
- McIlroy recovers from rugged start for 71
- Former equipment manager sues Rams
- Stanton’s homers fuel Marlins’ surge in May
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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- Vengels sixth in heptathlon; PSU picks up two seventh-place finishes
- Ethan Cordray signs with Pittsburg State
- Lions, Gorillas begin competition in outdoor track and field championship
- Three finalists named for PSU head baseball coach position
- Lions qualify 10, PSU 15 for Division II outdoor track meet
- Missouri Southern Sports
- High School Sports
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Area athletes turn shine at state meet
Webb City's Jarvis Jones takes sixth in the 200.
- Cleo Elbert steps down at Thomas Jefferson
- Frontenac wins first state baseball title
- Joplin's Jeremy Lynn takes fifth at state tennis
- Frontenac advances at state baseball
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