Published: May 06, 2008 12:53 am            

Second season

West, North set to battle; East hosts Preston in AAA sectionals

FAIRMONT — It’s that time again.

Time for coaches to make the right moves, time for players to step to the forefront and bring a little something more — or else.

The heightened pressure and excitement that is playoff baseball begins today as East Fairmont, North Marion and West Fairmont kick off sectional action.

The Polar Bears host the Huskies at 6 p.m. tonight and Wednesday at Mary Lou Retton Park. The Bees, meanwhile, will take on Preston at home at the same times.

While all three area teams have been competitive this season, West (21-6), seems the best bet for the deep postseason run.

The Polar Bears, who ended the regular season with a no-hitter from starter Mike Ice and six wins in their final eight games, have relied mainly on a powerful, balanced offense. In all, they’ve scored seven runs in 15 games and have reached double digits in 12.

West also has recent history on its side against North. It swept the regular season series, 5-1 and 11-6, and has won 10 straight against the Huskies since dropping the 2005 sectional opener.

North (5-16) is using the matchup as a measuring stick, or as coach Tom Myers admitted, an opportunity to “see if we have improved since March.”

While he admits the Huskies must play smart, near-flawless baseball to pull the upset, the team’s confidence has reached a high not felt in years. Part of the reason is North’s showing the last time the county rivals played — it, however brief, had a 6-5 lead midway through before West rallied.

East (16-10) takes on a Knights squad it has battered of late. It swept the season series, 14-2 and 14-8, and outscored Preston 29-2 in last year’s sectionals. Lopsided scores aside, the Bees have played their share of close games in ‘08, including three one-run losses.

E-mail Nick Cammuso at ncammuso@timeswv.com.

        

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