LUFKIN — The county was well-represented in the state 1A Region 3-4 playoffs — Apple Springs and Centerville both vying for the prize — but only one could move on.
After a game called a nailbiter in which both teams were scoreless for 7 innings, a single by Centerville’s Brandon McWhorter that drove in Wyatt Clede, who was gifted a base on balls from Apple Springs’ hurler Cooper Campbell, ended the game in the bottom of the 8th.
The win puts the Bulldogs in final four in the regional games and gives Centerville an impressive 25-1 record (9-0 district). The Eagles end their romp with a 16-9 record (6-2 district).
The game was a pitcher’s duel between Campbell and Centerville’s Kolt Larsen, both of whom tossed shutouts. However, Centerville capitalized on stolen bases as Apple Springs gave up 7.
Campbell fired 6 strikeouts while giving up 5 hits and 3 walks. Centerville batters taking advantage of him include Kolt Larsen with 2 hits and Drew Larsen, Brandon McWhorter and Eli Emmons each had 1.
Kolt Larsen threw 16 strikeouts and gave up only 4 hits, those coming from Eagles Rance Howell, Joseph Ocasiones, Drake Pierce and Ethan Leblanc.
The Bulldogs now face Union Hill at 7 p.m. Saturday in Rusk.
