Wildcats to play for sectional title

Wilmington junior Kyle Farrell pitched an outstanding game Wednesday, striking out 14 batters and going all seven innings in the Beecher Sectional semifinal to defeat Chicago Christian 5-3.

The Wildcats grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first but a hit, walks and an error in the third allowed Christian to take a 3-2 lead. 

Farrell got back to business though, holding the Knights scoreless the rest of the way while limiting them to just three hits. against the 14 Ks. Almost 75% of the 110 pitches Farrell threw on Wednesday was a strike.

Sophomores Ryan Kettman and Zach Ohlund each had a double and a single for one RBI. Dierks Geiss singled in a run, Reid Juster hit a double, Cade McCubbin walked and singled while Bredan Moran also had a hit.

Wilmington finished with five stole bases.

The 'Cats will battle Herscher for the Sectional Championship at 11 a.m. Saturday in Beecher. Wilmington defeated Herscher (23-13) twice during the regular season, 10-0, 10-4. The Tigers are coming off an 11-0 victory over Chicag University.

If Wilmington wins they will play in the Super Sectional at Geneseo, IL at 1 p.m. on Monday, (Memorial Day) against either Illini West (#5 seed) or Peoria Notre Dame (4). That game, at Richmond Hill Park. will determine who will play at state in Peoria on Friday and Saturday, June 1-2.