In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Monticello survived a late rally by Pontiac and held on for a 3-2 win in Illini Prairie Conference high school baseball action on Monday in Monticello.

Cole Basak hit a two-run home run in the third inning to put the Sages in front 2-0. 

Koyie Williams followed with a triple, but with nobody out, the rest of the lineup could not bring him in - one of several opportunities to score Monticello missed on throughout the game.

An awkward play in the fourth inning scored the ultimate game-winner for the Sages. With Grant Kiger at second base, Colton Shubert hit a groundball down the third baseline. Thinking it was foul, Shubert slowed up going to first base, but an errant throw allowed him to make it safely. Kiger, running on the play, turned and went home. He, too, slowed up as he got to the plate, but he slid under the tag on the relay throw home and made it 3-0.

The Indians consistently were able to manufacture base runners but failed to cash in until late, when they scored two in the sixth inning to make it 3-2.

In the top of the seventh inning, Pontiac loaded the bases with one out, but Aden Brummel was called out on a very questionable check-swing ruling, then a weak comebacker to Forrest Rawdin ended the threat and the game.

Heyden Romano returned from a brief finger injury to work four shutout innings - including getting the final nine batters he faced.

Williams finished a homer shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a double and triple - continuing a very hot stretch for the senior who is coming off Tommy John surgery last spring.

Monticello won its 19th in a row to start the season and is 5-0 in the Illini Prairie Conference. They are back in action on Wednesday when they host Salt Fork.