Four county teams set to play in first round of baseball playoffs

Published 11:00 am Wednesday, April 17, 2024

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With the regular season complete, four Covington County baseball teams will begin the path toward a state championship with the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs this week.

Three teams (Andalusia, Florala, and Opp) will host opening-round matchups after winning their respective area titles. The other (Straughn) will travel following a runner-up finish.

The champions and runners-up in all areas 1A-6A will advance to the first round at the home site of the area winners according to a pre-drawn bracket for each class. Play is double elimination in a best-two-of-three series. All area runners-up will travel for the first round.

The first and second games of each series will be played as a doubleheader on the first day of the series. The host team will serve as the “home team” in the first game of the series. The traveling team will be the designated “home team” in the second game. The host team will be the home team if the third game is necessary.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association has set the price of admission at $10 plus processing fees for a doubleheader and $8 for a third game. Tickets may be purchased in advance through GoFan. Additionally, all four schools hosting will have a cash gate upon entry.

Andalusia (13-10), the 4A Area 3 champion, will host Handley (11-7), the Area 8 runner-up, in a series beginning Friday, April 19, at 4:30 p.m. Game two will follow at approximately 6:30 p.m. If a third game is needed, it will be played on Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m.

Florala (18-1), the 1A Area 2 champion, will host Calhoun (10-4), the Area 5 runner-up, in a series beginning Thursday, April 18, at 2:30 p.m. Game two will follow at approximately 4:30 p.m. If a third game is needed, it will be played on Friday, April 19, at 2:30 p.m.

Opp (17-7), the 3A Area 4 champion, will host Dadeville (12-7), the Area 7 runner-up, in a series beginning Friday, April 19, at 4:30 p.m. Game two will follow at approximately 7 p.m. If a third game is needed, it will be played on Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m.

Straughn (12-12), the 3A Area 2 runner-up, will travel to Thomasville (22-4), the Area 5 champion, in a series beginning Friday, April 19, at 5 p.m. Game two will follow at approximately 7:30 p.m. If a third game is needed, it will be played on Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m.

First-round winners will advance to the second round scheduled for next week.

— All playoff dates and times are subject to change.