CLAREMORE — And the third time WAS a charm.

Skyler Nelson hit a go-ahead two-run triple in the top of the ninth off Northeastern State reliever Dakodah Jones and Rogers State eliminated the RiverHawks in a two-game sweep of the best-of-three MIAA playoff series with an 8-6 win in Tahlequah.

Oktaha ex Brock Rodden capped an early surge with a two-run home run, and Seminole State ended Connors State’s season in the Region II tournament Saturday at Woodward with an 11-7 loss.

Modifieds

In the world of competitive bass fishing, winning a major tournament on home waters never comes easy. 

SHAWNEE — It was the call that was, then wasn’t. 

OKLAHOMA CITY — Maybe Kyler Proctor isn’t just a opposing pitcher, but a bad luck charm.

FORT GIBSON — In Tigerland they’re crossing their fingers that the third time will be a charm.

Try as they might to make things happen, the winning moment for Fort Gibson in Thursday night’s Class 4A quarterfinal against Kingfisher came relatively easy.

Oktaha’s counterpunching ability on Thursday propelled the Tigers into the semifinals of the Class 2A state baseball tournament with an 8-3 quarterfinal win against the Calera Bulldogs on Palmer Field at Dolese Park in Oklahoma City.

The turn for home is here.

The NFL is returning to London in October and Tom Brady begins his pursuit of an eighth Super Bowl title against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys when Tampa Bay hosts the league’s annual kickoff game on Sept. 9.

FORT GIBSON — It’s on to state — and a chance for revenge for the Lady Tigers of Fort Gibson.

Hilldale’s historical boys soccer season ended in dramatic, but unfortunate fashion Tuesday night at Hornet Field.

WOODWARD — After the two squads huddled together for a post game prayer, Fort Gibson coach Todd Friend spoke to the Woodward Boomer soccer team.

Phil McWilliams was hired Monday as Haskell’s football coach.

Mesa Falleur shot 74 and 70 and at even-par 144 going into the final 18 holes Tuesday in the Class 6A state tournament at Forest Ridge Golf Club in Broken Arrow, he needs to make up four shots.

Muskogee gained two automatic state berths  in relay events, and one in sprints, while reaching the podium in five Saturday at Sapulpa in the Class 6A regional meet there.

Outlaw Motor Speedway

Connors is heating up as the season winds down.

TAHLEQUAH -- A three-run homer from Blaze Brothers in the fifth was enough to hold off Central Oklahoma 7-5 Saturday and secured the No. 2 seed in the upcoming MIAA Tournament. 

FORT GIBSON — Finally, Gary Edwards could talk about it.

Pitch count matters now more than ever in high school baseball.  So does pitching depth, and the coach with the deepest pockets in that respect stand a good shot at long-range playoff success. It also helps if you avoid the elimination bracket.

FORT GIBSON — Westward Ho was the clarion call for the pioneers who settled our land in the 1800’s.

TULSA —  It may have taken longer, but Hilldale eventually got the goal it needed to beat Holland Hall, 1-0, in a quarterfinal game of the Class 4A boys soccer tournament Thursday night at Hardesty Field.

Oktaha turned a still competitive game against Porter in the Class 2A regional winner’s bracket into a blowout on Thursday at Oktaha.

Lauren Undaunted’s second-half goal stood up as the only one necessary as Fort Gibson defeated Oologah 1-0 at Oologah on Thursday to reach the Class 4A semifinals next week.

FORT GIBSON — There will be better batteries ahead — pitchers and catchers — who can contend with its speed on the basepaths.

Muskogee’s season ended Wednesday in a two-and-out episode in the Class 6A regional in Edmond.