The Salem Wildcats got an RBI double from senior Josh Powless in the third inning and tacked on 5 insurance runs in the 7th to pull away from Mattoon 6-0 in their 3a Regional Semifinal played at SCHS Field. Keaton Gullion went 2-3 with an RBI for Salem who also got 2 hits from Rhett Detering and singles from Gavin Zimmermann, Jalen Inlow and Nate Paulson. Salem outhit Mattoon 10-2 thanks to the solid pitching of Noah Nix. The junior right hander allowed 2 hits and 2 walks with 8 strikeouts in the complete game shutout. Salem advances to the regional finals today against Effingham. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. but that will be pushed back a bit due to wet field conditions. No matter the time, we will have the action for you on Q92 and WJBDradio.com.
The Centralia Orphans will take on Marion at SIU at 11 a.m. for that regional championship.
Also today in 3a regional finals, Mt Zion takes on the hosts at Chatham, Mascoutah and Triad play from Jerseyville, and Highland takes on the hosts at Waterloo.
In 4a regional finals, Alton and Belleville West play at SIU-E, Edwardsville hosts O’Fallon.
