Chance Payne homered and drove in two, leading Mt. Pulaski over Springfield Southeast 8-1 in non-conference high school baseball action on Friday in Springfield. 

Payne launched a towering two-run home run, giving Mt. Pulaski an early 2-0 advantage. Later in the inning, heads-up baserunning by Aaron Volle, who scored after being hit by a pitch and capitalized on a wild pitch and defensive miscue, extended the lead to 3-0.

Mt. Pulaski continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Chase Roberts had a run-scoring single, followed by an RBI double from Eric Cooper, who also scored in the inning. A heads-up play saw another Hilltopper score on a passed ball, and Liam Smith contributed an RBI via a sacrifice fly.

Payne led the offensive charge, going 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Eric Cooper finished 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI, and three runs scored. Chase Roberts contributed with a 1-for-3 performance and one RBI.

Carter Clark went five innings on the mound for the Hilltoppers. Clark allowed just one hit with five strikeouts, earning the victory.

Mt. Pulaski goes to 13-3 overall. They host Springfield Lanphier on Saturday.