An eight-run third inning propelled Monticello to a season-opening 15-4 win over Villa Grove in non-conference high school baseball action Wednesday in Villa Grove.

Leading 5-0, the Sages blew the game open with eight runs in the third. After Forrest Rawdin scored on a wild pitch, Gehrig Quick grounded out to score Matthais Rudolph. Cole Basak then doubled to score Dawson Gaitros - who singled, followed by a Koyie Williams RBI single. Grant Kiger capped the rally with a two-run home run to left field to put the Sages up 11-0.

Rawdin and Rudolph later added RBI singles in the frame to complete the eight-run outburst and put Monticello up 13-0.

Connor Himes earned the victory on the mound, allowing one run on two hits over three innings of work. The junior struck out five and walked three. Dawson Gaitros pitched the final two innings in relief, striking out four.

Williams finished 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, and four RBIs. Kiger was 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

Basak and Gaitros each finished with a hit, while Heyden Romano added a double for the Sages.

The Sages are 1-0 and travel to Anna-Jonesboro on Friday.