Gavin Baldwin and Boomer Harris blasted back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth further igniting an offense to help Nashville win its sixth regional title over conference foe Pinckneyville, 11-4.
The score remained close, with the Panthers striking first with a run during the first inning. Nashville answered back with the next at bat.
The Hornets brought home four runs in the fourth after Ian Blazier drove home two runs with a double. Harris would also bring in a run after a sacrifice pop fly.
Other offensive notes included Buzz Ritzel, who went 3 for 4 on the game with a double in the fifth, a single and three steals. Baldwin went two for four, with a single along with the home run. Cole Malawy, Trey Reinburg and Nolan Heggemeier all had a single, and Zach Kempfer had a two-RBI double.
Trey Reinburg (7-0) was the winning pitcher, hurling for six innings. He was relieved by Gavin Baldwin, and then Ian Blazier closed out the seventh for the victory.
Nashville (23-9) has won its regional every year since 2014. The Hornets will take on the Carterville Lions at home for the sectional semifinals. The game will be held at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
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