Rio Blanco County’s high school baseball teams met in Rangely yesterday after press time for a doubleheader, which are the final games of the regular season for Meeker and will have district playoff implications for both teams.
With only three teams in the league, which also includes Paonia, the top two teams will qualify for the district tournament to be held on the Canyon View fields in Grand Junction May 7, against Dolores County and Ignacio. Paonia has beaten both Rio Blanco County teams, 10-run ruling the Cowboys last week and defeating the Panthers in their first doubleheader.
The Panthers, currently 7-7 and on a five-game winning streak, only needed to beat Meeker (5-12) once to advance to the district playoffs, but Meeker must have beaten the Panthers twice yesterday and hope Paonia defeats Rangely twice again this Saturday for the Cowboys to qualify for the district tournament.
Rangely, who defeated Steamboat Springs and Grand Valley last week, have hosted several games this season because of good field conditions and the Cowboys have not had a home game because of the weather.
The Panthers are the defending league champions and could defend their title by sweeping the Cowboys and the Eagles in their final regular season games.
