It wasn't a spectacular comeback but the Monticello Sages rallied from behind to top Prairie Central 7-5 in its Illini Prairie Conference opener in high school baseball Thursday from the Wilke Complex in Monticello.

The Hawks opened up a 4-0 lead after the first inning but the Sages slowly crept back into the game with a three-run second inning, ultimately tying the game at 5-all in the fourth after Prairie Central added a run in the third.

A less-than-spectacular but effective two-run sixth inning gave the Sages the lead 7-5. Dylan Brown got on base via an error then Matt Swartz walked and Raiden Colbert bunted his way on base. 

A Carter Foran single brought home Brown and Swartz was thrown out at the plate. Koyie Williams brought home Colbert for the second run of the inning. 

Foran threw five shutout innings in relief of Jacob Long who allowed five runs on five walks. The senior southpaw struck out four and permitted two hits.

Foran struck out three and allowed three hits while issuing three walks. 

Ike Young and Eli Craft hit doubles for the Sages offense. Craft finished 2-for-3 at the plate. Foran was 2-for-4 with an RBI and Williams stayed hot in the Monticello lineup finishing 1-for-3 with a pair of RBIs.

Colbert scored twice for Monticello.

The Sages keep their perfect record intact at 13-0 and start the Illini Prairie Conference 1-0.

Thursday's game was the Sages' third of the week and will host GCMS Friday afternoon, its fourth game in five days.