The North Clay Cardinals improved to 29-6 by winning their Effingham Sectional semifinal yesterday beating Okaw Valley 13-3 in 6 innings. The Cards got on the board early with 5 runs in their first two innings. Holden Clifton tripled, doubled as he went 3-4 with 5 RBI. The Cards got 2 RBI each from Donnie Zimmerman, Carson Burkett and Layton Dawkins. Collyn Ballard added an RBI double and scored 3 runs along with Logan Fleener. Burkett worked the first 4 innings in getting the win. He allowed 3 hits and struck out 5. Clifton finished the last 2 innings allowing 3 hits and 2 earned runs. The Cardinals advance to Saturday’s Sectional finals against the winner of this afternoon’s contest between Effingham St Anthony and Windsor/Stew Stras.
Kristina Weidner Photography
In other action yesterday, Goreville at home was a 4-1 winner over Waltonville.
Also in 1a Sectional semifinals today…the Christ Our Rock Stallions are in action at Greenville University against Greenfield with the game moved back to a 7pm start as they moved the game scheduled yesterday between Marissa and Carrollton to today starting at 4:30. At Goreville, Steeleville takes on Cobden.
Vandalia’s magical run ended in the 2a baseball sectionals at TTown falling to Columbia 5-1. The Eagles advance to play today’s winner between Flora and Mater Dei. Also last night, Freeburg beat Harrisburg 12-2 at Benton.
In 2a Sectional semifinals, DuQuoin and Anna Jonesboro will play at Benton.
Yesterday in 3a regional semifinals at Centralia, Mattoon beat Marion 4-2 and Effingham was leading Charleston 3-0 in the top of the 2nd inning when the game was called due to rain. They will resume today at 4pm. At Highland, Mascoutah beat Taylorville 21-2 and Highland 5-2 over Civic Memorial. Mt Vernon won their home game over Olney 3-2 and at Triad, the hosts routed Cahokia 15-1.
The 3a regionals continue. Herrin and Carbondale will play at Mt Vernon. Jerseyville will play Waterloo at Triad.
And in 4a regionals, Quincy and Granite City play from Alton.
