To coach Chris Gannaway's knowledge, no Pinkston baseball team since the school opened in 1964 has made the playoffs.

The Vikings will be the third-place representative out of District 14-4A if they defeat Kimball today. Kimball and Pinkston, which split in district play, finished 5-5 and will participate in a one-game playoff at 4:30 p.m. at Higgins Field.

"It's a big ball game, but I think we'll be ready," Gannaway said. "We've been in playoff mode the last five, six ball games. I don't think there's any pressure. We're just going to go out, be confident and do our best."

Kimball hasn't allowed a run since losing to Pinkston, 9-8, on April 15. Kimball beat Pinkston, 5-1, on March 28. Pinkston closed the regular season Tuesday with a 24-4 rout of South Oak Cliff.

Gannaway is relying on outfielders Teddy Wade, Kenny Traylor and Javier Torres and infielder Pedro Barco. Sophomore Jose Balderas, who Gannaway said has been hitting roughly .800 in district play, will start on the mound.

Damon L. Sayles