Ontario hosts Philomath in second round of 4A state playoffs
Tigers rested and healthy heading into today’s action
By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:39 AM PDT
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| Argus observer file photo
Ontario’s Bryson Sap and the rest of the Ontario Tiger nine begin the 4A state playoffs today hosting Philomath. The Tigers are coming off two big wins in Baker City to fuel their playoff push. |
Ontario—It is playoff time for the Ontario Tigers. Today at 4 p.m., Ontario (19-7 overall, 8-4 GOL) will host the Philomath Warriors (17-7 overall, 8-4 Val-Co league).
“We do not know much about Philomath,” Ontario head coach Les Horn said. “What we do know is they have a real good pitcher. But we are used facing tough pitching.”
Philomath reached the second round of the playoffs by defeating the Central Panthers 6-2 last Tuesday in the opening round of the tournament.
Philomath comes into the state tournament winning three of its last four games, the loss coming to Val-Co champ Newport in a 12-3 decision for the Cubs.
This season, the Warriors have scored 223 runs and given up 98, whereas the Tigers have posted 178 runs and given up 130 runs.
Ontario ended its season as the No. 2 seed from the Greater Oregon League but is coming off two big wins over Baker City.
The Tigers had the best overall record in the GOL at 19-7.
Ontario has been snuffed from the top 10 polls most of the season, but they have been picking up some votes.
In the latest polls, the Tigers picked up one vote and came in tied for 13, while Philomath’s latest ranking had them ninth in the state.
GOL rivals La Grande and Baker City are ranked fifth and 11 respectively.
Horn said the keys for victory for the Tigers are going to be pitching.
“Ryan Laubacher has to have a good game as well as the guys we bring on in relief,” Horn said. “But we still have to play solid defense behind our pitching.”
In the opening round of the 4A state tournament, No. 13 Henley defeated Tillamook, 1-0, and advanced to the second round to play North Bend. The No. 4-ranked Phoenix Pirates knocked off North Marion, 2-1, and the Pirates will next take on the No. 3 ranked Newport Cubs. GOL rival and Baker got an opening round win over No. 12 Junction City, 6-1, while the No. 9 Sisters Outlaws advanced with a 2-0 win over Brookings-Harbor.
A win for the Tigers today will advance them to the quarterfinals where they will take on the winner of the Sisters/Gladstone game Friday.
Ontario will have to travel for this game.
“We have to cash in on all the opportunities we have if we want to continue our season,” Horn said.
In the lower half of the Oregon 4A state baseball tournament, the Tigers will have to contend with three top 10 teams on the road to the championship.
