By By BRUCE HIXON Sports Editor
The T.R. Miller Tigers baseball team has known for some time they would be a part of the Class 3A state playoffs.
Their opponent was not determined until late Sunday when the Tigers learned they would host Dadeville today in a first-round game at 4 p.m. Dadeville finished runner-up to Holtville in Area 5.
Although the two teams have not met this season, Dadeville is a familiar opponent. It was Dadeville that eliminated the Tigers in last year's state quarterfinals.
"They were a senior dominated team last year, but they've got a good program and it will be a tough challenge for us," T.R. Miller coach Jim Hart said.
Wednesday's winner will advance to Saturday's second round against the winner of the Francis Marion-Montgomery Academy survivor. Francis Marion was the runner-up from Area 6, while Montgomery Academy claimed Area 4. T.R. Miller and Montgomery Academy split a doubleheader in the capital city last month.
If T.R. Miller wins, it would host Montgomery Academy or it would travel to Francis Marion.
Admission cost to today's playoff game is $5. That price is set by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.
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As the Tigers aim for a deep postseason run, they are also aiming for a piece of school history.
Monday's win over Monroe County pulled T.R. Miller within two wins of the school record for most wins in a season.
The 1996 squad that finished state runner-up to Pleasant Grove currently holds the record. That team went 24-6. This year's Tigers currently have 22 wins.
"As my years of coaching add up, I have a hard time remembering records, but I certainly remember that 1996 team which finished second in the state. That was a special team and I think this is a special team we have this year," T.R. Miller coach Jim Hart said.
T.R. Miller will be a busy place for postseason sporting events over the next couple of weeks.
The Tigers and Lady Tigers track teams will host a Class 3A sectional meet Thursday. Field events start at 9:30 a.m.
In addition to the host, other schools which are scheduled to compete include Alabama Christian, Calhoun, Central-Hayneville, LAMP, Montgomery Academy, W.S. Neal, Pike County and Sumter County.
The top three places in individual events and relays will advance to next weekend's state meet at Troy State University.
T.R. Miller will also host a Class 3A Area 1 Softball
See BITS Page 7A
Tournament April 30 at the Brewton YMCA Park.
The host Lady Tigers will battle W.S. Neal in the opening round at 4 p.m. The winner will play top-seeded Clarke County at approximately 6 p.m. An elimination game followed by the championship round will follow.
The top two teams will advance to sub-state series on May 4.
T.R. Miller High School will hold its Sports Awards Night May 6 at the First Baptist Church in Brewton. Activities will begin with the meal at 6 p.m.