Effingham Hearts: Regional Baseball Champions!

The Effingham Hearts won a tremendous pitcher's duel Saturday, 1-0 in eight innings, to defeat the Mattoon Green Wave and win the Olney 3A Regional Tournament.

Effingham scored the game's only run in the top of the 8th.  Kennan Mahaffey reached base to lead off the inning.  Braden Bone bunted Mahaffey to second base and a base hit by Alex Carie moved Mahaffey to third before Drew Levitt's sacrifice fly brought Mahaffey home.

Drew Levitt posted the shutout to claim the win for the Hearts. allowing just three hits and walking four while striking out four batters.

The Hearts had just four hits in the contest along with three walks.  Here's the breakdown: Alex Carie--single...Drew Levitt--sacrifice fly, run batted in...Carter Hayes--single and walk...Trenton Frey--walk...Kennan Mahaffey--two singles and walk, run scored.

The Hearts, now 19-13 on the season, will host their own Class 3A Sectional.  Effingham will move into sectional action against Mt. Vernon Wednesday at 4:30pm in Effingham at Paul Smith Field.  Mt. Vernon won the Herrin 3A Regional Saturday, defeating Centralia 2-0.  We'll broadcast the game on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com.