The margin of error has been slim for the Tigers lately, much like they are for Bentonville wants to win the 7A-West championship with two games remaining.

One run has determined Bentonville’s last four league games, but the Tigers (16-7, 9-3) have been able to win three of those. That has put them in a first-place tie with Springdale Har-Ber with two games remaining against Fayetteville next week.

“They will make you get old really fast,” Bentonville coach Todd Abbott said. “But they have been good games, and that’s what has been fun about them.

“It’s nice to have such close games and to have our guys hold on or to come back and win. That’s a great sign with this team as we move toward the end of the season and get ready for postseason. We’re excited about battling and grinding these games out.”

Bentonville can earn the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the Class 7A state tournament with a sweep or a split with Fayetteville if Har-Ber splits its series with Springdale High or is swept by the Red’Dogs. The Tigers could fall to the third seed if they are swept by Fayetteville and Har-Ber wins at least one game.

The first game will be Monday at Bentonville, then the return game is Tuesday at Fayetteville.

“We’ve got to stick with what we do,” Abbott said. “We control our destiny now, so it’s about going out and taking care of the game the best we know how.”

— Henry Apple • @NWAHenry
