Normal West used a quick start and held off a late charge by Taylorville in a 5-4 win Thursday afternoon from Taylorville High School.

Chase Knuth doubled and drove in two while finishing 2-for-2 Thursday. Blake Crancer doubled and was 1-for-3 with an RBI, three stolen bases, a run scored and drew a walk.

Alex Olson, Jaxson Crancer, Brady Hart, and Bradyn Whitehead each recorded hits for the Wildcats. Hart, Jaxson Crancer, and Olson added stolen bases.

Maxx Grieme paced Taylorville going 1-for-3 with an RBI double and Colton Gatton drove in a run for the Tornadoes. Baron Odam finished 1-for-3 with a double. 

Kade Beckmier, Clark Durbin, Jacob McWard, and Blake Ladage recorded hits. Ladage added an RBI and Odam had a stolen base for Taylorville. 

The Tornadoes are 12-18 overall. 

Normal West goes to 19-14 overall.