A fast start for the Monticello offense helped them hold off a late rally by Mt. Pulaski in an 8-7 non-conference, regular-season finale win Monday at Mt. Pulaski High School.
Monticello jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings. The Hilltoppers answered with a two-run second and then a two-run fourth inning to make it 6-4. A couple of runs in the fifth inning helped keep Mt. Pulaski at bay during a three-run bottom of the seventh inning.
Jacob Trusner paced Monticello going 1-for-2 with a two-run double, two runs scored and two walks.
Colton Vance was 2-for-3 with two RBis and two runs scored.
Biniam Lienhart was 2-for-5 with a run batted in and run scored. Matt Swartz was 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Eli Craft dove in a run while Luke Teschke, Ike Young, and Carter Foran had hits for the Sages.
Luke Martin was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored for the Hilltoppers. Clay Aylesworth doubled and drove in three runs finishing 1-for-3. AJ Bailey, Evan Cooper, Landon Smith, Jackon Fricke, Chance Payne, and Liam Smith had base hits for Mt. Pulaski.
Martin and Cooper drove in runs.
The Hilltoppers drop to 26-4 overall. They will take on Argenta-Oreana Wednesday afternoon in Argenta in Class 1A Regional semifinal action.
Monticello finishes the regular season 20-4 overall. They will take on Clifton Central Wednesday in Class 2A Regional semifinal action from Gibson City. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.
