War Eagles blanked by Lufkin

OAK RIDGE NORTH, Texas – It could get complicated, but playoffs are still very much a possibility for the Oak Ridge High School baseball team, despite its 2-0 loss on Tuesday to visiting Lufkin.

The Panthers, now 5-6 in district play, upset The Woodlands, 2-1, a couple of weeks ago with stellar pitching and timely hitting. They struck again on Tuesday, using a three-hit complete-game pitching performance from Trey Cumbie to go along with single markers in the fourth and seventh innings to remain in contention for the fourth and final playoff berth from District 14-5A.

The War Eagles (21-6, 6-5) still hold that spot, but now by only a precarious one-game lead over the Panthers. Both teams close the 2014 regular season on Friday.

Oak Ridge, which defeated Lufkin, 5-2, earlier in the season, needs a win at The Woodlands or a Lufkin loss to Conroe to clinch that final playoff spot. Both of those games begin at 7 p.m. If neither occurs, Oak Ridge could still make the playoffs by winning a tie-breaker over Lufkin, whose last five games have been decided by two runs or fewer.

The War Eagles could not capitalize Tuesday on a gutsy complete-game pitching effort from Luken Baker, who struck out nine while scattering nine hits. Mario Garza tripled to highlight the War Eagles offense.