Pinckneyville pulled off a sectional upset on Wednesday, knocking off 30-win Harrisburg 7-3 in the Class 2A Benton Sectional semifinals. The Panthers rode another strong outing from ace Kolton Smith, who worked into the seventh inning before JD Kellerman came on to record the final two outs and secure the victory. Pinckneyville’s offense delivered when it mattered most, scoring all seven of its runs with two outs, including a four-run sixth inning that put the game out of reach. Reed Marlow led the late charge with a two-run double, while the Panthers also turned a pair of key double plays on defense to halt Harrisburg rallies. With the win, Pinckneyville improves to 23-10 and advances to Saturday’s sectional championship game against Massac County who beat Benton 5-2, while Harrisburg’s impressive season comes to an end at 30-7.
The St Anthony Bulldogs kept their post season run going as they knocked off Breese Central at the Greenville Sectional 6-3 and will advance to take on Cahokia Conference champion Freeburg in Saturday’s finals after they beat Effingham 2-0.
At Pleasant Plains, Williamsville upset Roxana 2-1 and Pleasant Plains eliminated Marquette 9-1.
In 3a at Triad, the host Knights dominated Waterloo 11-1 and sets up a showdown with the Mascoutah after the Indians eliminated Jacksonville 5-1.
In 4a, Edwardsville knocked off O’Fallon 6-5 at SIU-Edwardsville to advance to the Normal Community finals where they will play Minooka.
