Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
LOVINGTON — The Lovington Wildcats clinched their second-straight District 4-3A title Saturday, sweeping the visiting Portales Rams 3-1 and 9-3 at Wildcat Field.
Lovington outhit Portales 16-12 in the doubleheader, but benefitted from a six-error difference (the Rams committed 10 errors in the twin bill, Lovington four).
The Wildcats still have a doubleheader remaining against New Mexico Military Institute, and Portales’ postseason chances will certainly be affected.
Three scenarios can happen with the second and final playoff spot from the district, with a Lovington sweep being most favorable to Portales.
A sweep by the Wildcats would put Portales one game ahead of NMMI for the runnerup spot. A NMMI sweep, on the other hand, would give the Colts a one-game lead over Portales for that spot.
A split on Tuesday would set up a tie between the Rams and Colts, and a tiebreaker game may be required only days before the Class 3A regionals.
Portales coach Greg Hill could not be reached for comment Saturday night.