By Sean Duncan

PEORIA, IL – Tuscola wasn’t expected to advance to the Class 1A state semifinals this weekend. But the Warriors certainly made the most of their trip to O’Brien Field on Friday, as they easily handled Lena-Winslow 10-2 to advance to the Class 1A state championship game.

Tuscola (24-13) scored four runs in both the first and second innings and was never seriously challenged by Lena (27-12-1). Tuscola advances to play Effingham St. Anthony on Saturday at 11 a.m. for the Class 1A state championship. Tuscola will be seeking its first state championship.

Third baseman Tommy Watson, Jacob Barr and right fielder Nolan Walsh each tallied two RBI in the winning effort. Walsh finished with two hits and also scored two runs. Second baseman Dan Yoakum scored the game’s first run when he stole him.

Tuscola starting pitcher, senior right-hander Jacob Barr, didn’t overpower Lena, but kept the Panthers off-balance. Barr (8-5) threw a two-hit shutout with no strikeouts and five walks.

Barr shut down Lena’s big boppers, led by senior third baseman Cole Logemann, who entered the game with 61 RBI, 14 doubles, 6 homers and a .496 batting average. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Logemann, who did have a single, is currently unsigned. He displayed athletic feet and arm strength at third base.

Tuscola and St. Anthony played earlier in the season, with St. Anthony winning 4-0.