Monticello scored five runs in the first inning the Sages beat Rantoul 9-4 in Illini Prairie Conference high school baseball action on Thursday in Rantoul.

Grant Kiger's first of two triples plated two runs in the first inning. Jax Bailey drove in three runs for the Sages' offense. 

Zeke Young and Dawson Gaitros combined for eight walks and eight strikeouts as it was Gaitros getting the win in relief of Young for Monticello on Thursday.

The Sages rebounded from being shut down by St. Joseph-Ogden on Wednesday to move to 22-1 overall. They go to 7-1 in the Illini Prairie Conference. 

Monticello visits Mt. Zion on Friday.