CHAMPAIGN, IL - The University of Illinois played host to the Champaign Super-Sectional which featured two of the top teams still remaining in Class 4A, No. 1 O’Fallon and No. 4 Sandburg. Sandburg shortstop Branden Comia, an Illinois commit, felt right at home and had himself a big afternoon, helping send Sandburg to a 3-0 win.

The biggest blow of the game and what turned out to be all the Eagles of Sandburg (28-6) would need, came from Comia in the bottom of the first inning. Comia took the first pitch he saw and hit a missile of a home run to just right of dead center field. The solo shot that was hit somewhat into the wind, cleared a batter's eye in center field that stands at least 20 feet high.

As an encore, Comia came on to pitch in the top of the seventh inning with the Eagles leading 3-0. Comia made quick work of the O’Fallon (35-4-1) batters, working a one-two-three frame, picking up the save and punching Sandburg’s ticket to the 4A final four in Joliet next weekend. Comia, known as the top middle infielder in the Illinois’ 2018 class, showed his athleticism on the mound. The right-hander painted the outside corner with a fastball up to 87 mph and flashed a breaking ball with sharp, late bite that led to two called third strikes.

The game was 1-0 throughout and Sandburg tacked on some much needed insurance, scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Comia led off the frame with a walk and after moving up on a wild pitch he was knocked in by Ryan Hampe. Hampe, an Illinois-Chicago commit, laced a sharp single to left that kicked away from the left fielder and allowed him to advance to second base. Hampe scored the third and final run on a Seth Masters single to right field.

Masters, an Illinois-Springfield commit, also started on the mound for Sandburg. The senior southpaw was effective in his 4.1 innings of work picking up the win. Masters pitched to the corners behind his low 80’s fastball and three pitch, allowing only two hits, striking out two and walking three. Masters biggest jam came in the top of the first inning when O’Fallong loaded the bases thanks to consecutive two-out walks and then an infield error. Masters avoided any further damage by inducing a fly out to deep right field, by Quinn Lowery, that off the bat looked like it may have a chance to leave the yard.

All-in-all, Masters, Comia and Andrew Tenison, a Lewis commit, shut down a potent O’Fallon lineup, allowing only two hits in the seven innings. Tenison came on in relief of Masters and retired all five batters he faced, striking out two.

Evan Tenuta, a Notre Dame commit, finished 2-for-2 with a triple and a walk while Masters two hits as well for Sandburg.

Missouri State commit, Hayden Juenger took the loss on the mound for O’Fallon. The senior right-hander battled throughout, going 5.1 innings, scattering six hits, three earned runs, striking out three and walking one.

With the win, Sandburg advances to face No. 9 Plainfield North in the Class 4A Semifinal on Friday at 5:00 p.m.

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