By D. Marl Mitchell
sports columnist
OHS BASEBALL
The Opelika High baseball team (22-11, A-6-0) finished the regular season last week by beating Valley 8-0 and 10-0.
In the first game, Opelika junior Mitch Myers (Alabama commit) earned his seventh win of the season, pitching a complete game shutout, striking out seven and allowing only one hit. Jesse Baker, Chris Manley and Myers led OHS at the plate with two hits each. Kent Bugg, Cullen Senn, JD Worth and Blake Yountz added single hits.
In game two, Opelika used three pitchers (Kent Bugg, Tyler Robertson and Jackson Reynolds) to beat Valley 10-0 and finish the Area with an 6-0 record. The three pitchers allowed no runs and one hit.
AHSAA 6A BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
Opelika earned the right to host the first round playoff game after winning the Area championship. They must win two of three games to advance to the second round.
Opelika will host Dothan (8-18) in a doubleheader Friday night, April 22, at Bulldog Park starting at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person, 5 years old and up. There’s no charge for kids under age five.
Spectators can park in the front parking lot and the back lot behind the Learning Resource Center.
No one will be allowed to park behind the Press Box without a permit.
Corporate Sponsor passes cannot be accepted as it is a playoff game.
LISTEN TO OPELIKA BASEBALL ON THE RADIO
Fans can listen to the Opelika v. Dothan baseball series on WZMG 910 AM , WKKR 97.7 FM and online at www.kickerfm.com/sports
The first game will be carried on WZMG 910 AM at 4:25 p.m.
Game 2 will be on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM starting 20 minutes after the completion of game 1.
All games will be online.
SOCCER
The Bulldog boys soccer team beat Central 3-2 last week at the W James Samford Soccer Complex. Jafeht Marin, Will Overstreet and Arturo Ramos scored goals.
Opelika will travel to Smiths Station April 22 for its last regular season match. The Dawgs (11-7-3) will participate in the state playoffs beginning April 30.
SOFTBALL
The Lady Dawgs play two huge games this week against Benjamin Russell. Opelika is 10-10 and 3-1 in Area. Two wins over rival Benjamin Russell would wrap up the Area championship for them,
Opelika has a chance to win the Area if they split but two wins would cinch the championship and the chance to host a first round playoff game.
SPRING
FOOTBALL
Coach Brian Blackmon will start his eighth spring football practice as head coach and his 21st at Opelika, May 2.
The Dawgs will conclude spring drills May 20 with a spring game against Park Crossing.
D.Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.