Final out, and celebration...Russia's pitcher Xavier Phlipot fires his glove over the final out, and the Raiders celebrate their first trip to the state Final Four since 2017...hoping for their first win since 1971. Read more about Friday's regional final win in today's Press Pros feature.
The two Shelby County League rivals got through their respective regional semi-final matches to set up Friday Finals reprise from a year ago - Loramie (below) vs. Russia for the chance to go to Akron next week.
The Russia Raiders secured a firm grip on the SCAL after throwing out three Fort Loramie runners at the plate, and getting another in a rundown. Russia's 7-1 win was the 11th straight for the Raiders, who debuted at No. 2 in the D-IV state poll. Read Greg Billing softball this coming Saturday.
Some sage motivation at the right time resonated with Tri-Village's players over the summer and echoed loudly as an explanation for their ability to extend their own state title dreams, while ending Botkins' attempt for a second straight championship. Bruce Hooley writes.
