The Cougars played error-free baseball and got a sterling pitching performance from Tanner Bushue as they edged the Greenville Comets to advance to Saturday's sectional championship game at Kaskaskia College.

 

Except for the third inning when the Comets loaded the bases with a one-out single and back-to-back walks, Bushue was in total command from start to finish.

 

He allowed only three other hits, all singles, while striking out eight and walking four.

 

Offensively, the Cougars spoiled run-scoring opportunities in the first and the third innings.

 

In the first, Wade Crain and Jayme Michel led off with a pair singles to get things started, but when Nick Simmons lofted a flyball to right, Crain was gunned down at third when he tagged and tried to advance.

 

Michel moved up to second on the throw, but the Comet outfield came up with another big play when their centerfielder made a diving catch of a soft liner off the bat of designated hitter Lance Schneider.

 

Then in the third, the Cougars put runners at first and second again, but when Bushue's line drive behind the runner at first was snared by the firstbaseman, he ended the scoring threat by simply stepping on the bag to complete the inning-ending double play.

 

But the Cougars finally broke through in the fifth. Zac Cain led off the inning by stroking a double down the rightfield line and was advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Shea Burton.

 

Wade Crain drove in the first run when he ripped a two-strike offering down the line in left for a stand-up double. He promptly stole third and when Michel squared for a safety squeeze-bunt attempt, the Comet pitcher cut loose with a pitch that sailed over the catcher's head to the backstop and Crain scampered home with run number two.

 

The Cougars now await the outcome of Thursday's other semifinal matchup between Carlyle and Trenton Wesclin to see who their opponent will be in Saturday's 12:00 PM championship contest.

Crain, Wa.....2 1 2  1 

Michel..... 3 0 2  0 

Simmons.....3 0 0  0 

Bushue.....2 0 1  0 

Schneider.....3 0 0  0 

Crain, Wi.....2 0 0  0 

Robb.....3 0 0  0 

Burton.....1 0 0  0 

Total.....21 2 6  1