Lumberjacks ready for postseason play
By Russell Payne Sports Editor

Ketarus Stanton will be ready to swing away this weekend as the Jacks make their first postseason appearance on the diamond in over a decade.

After more than a decade's absence from the postseason the Diboll Lumberjacks have finally found the chemistry and wins to break into the Class 3A playoffs.

After wrapping up a third place spot in District 20 3A the Lumberjacks 17 - 6, are now getting ready to take on the District 19 3A second place finisher Mexia Blackcats 15 - 7, this weekend in Jacksonville, TX..

The Jacks coming off four consecutive victories are in good shape, especially with the Blackcats on a two game losing streak to end the season.

Diboll hit the field in their last win against the District 14 3A second place finalist Van Vandals Saturday on the road at Van. The Jacks came away with a 5-2 victory over the Vandals.

The Jacks sent out three pitchers in the practice contest for this weekend's Bi-District contest.

Cutler Ruby got things started for the Lumberjacks going three innings with two hits, a pair of walks, two strikeouts and did not surrender a run in the contest. The Jacks sent Alek Gaard to pitch the fourth and fifth innings of the game.

Gaard gave up three hits, a walk, and had a strikeout for the Jacks, while giving up one run on the night.

Joey Solis closed out the game for the Jacks surrendering no hits, while giving up a pair of walks, a couple of strikeouts and one run.

All in all the Lumberjacks put on a good showing and their pitching staff should be ready for what lies ahead this weekend when Diboll heads up north to Jacksonville.

The Blackcats bring to the table John Speights with seven victories on the year.

The 6'5" and 195 lbs. Speights has 2.146 ERA on the season along with 57 strike outs and a .875 winning percentage.

Speights is also very impressive at the plate with a perfect slugging percentage.

He also brings 38 hits, 27 RBI's, four stolen bases and a pair of homeruns to the contest.

Backing him up on the offensive side will be Jace Lloyd with 31 RBI's, four stolen bases, seven homers and seven doubles on the year.

The Blackcats have five players with 19 or more RBI's on the year and as a team bring a .383 batting average to the contest with the Lumberjacks.

For Diboll it will be business as usual as the Jacks take the field in game one of the best of three series this Friday at 7:30p.m.

The second game of the series is scheduled for Saturday, with a start time of 2p.m.