Wildcats One Win Away From Repeat Sectional Final Glory

HERSCHER — For the second straight season, Wilmington is headed to the sectional championship game.

Behind a masterful pitching performance from senior Dierks Geiss and timely offense throughout the lineup, the Wildcats defeated Manteno 6-2 Wednesday evening in the Class 2A Herscher Sectional semifinal.

The victory sends Wilmington into Saturday's sectional title game against top-seeded Ottawa Marquette (35-3), which rolled past IC Catholic 15-3 in the other semifinal. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Herscher High School.

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning when Manteno capitalized on a Wildcat error, Wilmington wasted little time taking control.

The Wildcats answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Cooper Holman delivered an RBI single to left field, a dropped third strike allowed another run to score, and Colin Strong lined an RBI single down the right-field line as Wilmington surged ahead 3-1.

Wilmington added to its lead in the second when leadoff hitter Ryan Kettman launched a solo home run to right field, extending the advantage to 4-1.

The Wildcats continued to apply pressure throughout the game, adding single runs in the fourth and sixth innings while Geiss kept Manteno's offense in check.

The senior right-hander turned in one of his best outings of the season, working 6 2/3 innings and allowing just two runs on seven hits while striking out two and walking four. Geiss retired all but the final batter before turning the ball over to Tyler Krand, who recorded the last out to secure the victory.

Manteno's only other run came in the fifth inning, but the Panthers never got closer than three runs as Wilmington's defense backed Geiss with a pair of double plays.

Kettman sparked the offense from the leadoff spot, going 2-for-2 with a home run, two runs scored and an RBI. Holman and Strong each drove in a run, while Dierks Geiss, Zach Ohlund, Nash Rink and Strong all contributed hits.

Wilmington finished with seven hits and drew five walks, forcing Manteno pitchers to work throughout the contest.

Braden Campbell took the loss for Manteno, allowing four runs, two earned, over two innings. Brendan Jedlicka provided four innings of relief.

The Wildcats, now one victory away from a sectional championship, will face a daunting challenge in Ottawa Marquette. The Crusaders enter Saturday's title game with a 35-3 record and advanced by overpowering IC Catholic 15-3 in Wednesday's semifinal.

Saturday's winner will advance to the Class 2A super-sectional round at 5 p.m. Monday in Peru (St. Bede).