BILLINGS, Mo. — Third-seeded McAuley Catholic took an early lead before top-seeded Billings rallied and pulled away for an 11-2 win on Wednesday in the Class 1 District 5 championship game.
The Warriors pushed across a pair of runs in the first inning to take the lead before the Wildcats answered with a run in the first, two in the second and a single tally in the third inning to take a 4-2 advantage. Billings pushed across five runs in the fifth inning and added two runs in the sixth to wrap the scoring.
McAuley finishes the season with an 11-13 record, while Billings advances to the sectional round of the Class 1 state tournament with a matchup against Liberal on Monday.
Zach Bos earned the win for Billings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits, three walks and two strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings.
Rocco Bazzano-Joseph took the loss after allowing three runs, one earned, on three hits and three strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings.
Joe Staton had two hits and scored a run for McAuley at the plate. Bazzano-Joseph had a hit and scored a run, while Michael Parrigon doubled.
Grant Heimer had two hits, drove in four runs and scored once, while Levi Essick doubled, drove in a run and scored twice for Billings.
MCAULEY RALLIES PAST EXETER IN SEMIS
BILLINGS, Mo. — Third-seeded McAuley trailed 1-0 through four innings before scoring three times in the fifth inning and adding two more runs in the sixth inning to beat second-seeded Exeter 5-1 in the Class 2 District 5 semifinals on Wednesday.
McAuley’s three-run fifth inning was highlighted by an RBI single from Parrigon.
Kendall Jones doubled to right field to plate a pair of runs in the sixth inning to add insurance for the Warriors.
Bazzano-Joseph earned the complete-game win after allowing one run on four hits, two walks and five strikeouts in seven innings.
Cason Antle took the loss after allowing four runs, one earned, on four hits, two walks and five strikeouts in five innings.
Parrigon had three hits, including a double, and drove in a run for McAuley at the plate. Jones doubled, drove in two and scored one. Case Richards doubled and scored twice.
