Daily Reporter staff reports
NEW PALESTINE — The New Palestine Dragons baseball team is headed to the sectional championship for a second straight year, and a rematch with the team that eliminated them in 2018 awaits.
The Dragons topped visiting Lawrence Central, 5-3, in Thursday’s second semifinal game, setting up a Monday rematch against Cathedral with a sectional title on the line.
New Palestine scored all of its runs in the first inning, then held on with strong pitching to take down the Bears. It was the second year in a row the Dragons eliminated Lawrence Central, as they beat them, 8-1, in the first round in 2018.
Jack Walker got the win on the mound, striking out 11 in 4.2 innings and allowing just four hits and two earned runs. Zach Neligh got the save.
Colby Jenkins was 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and a run scored. Neligh was 1-for-4 with a run. Alex Kropp and Noah Mack each scored. Jacob Bain was 1-for-3 with the final run, and Grant Wiegand with 1-for-3 with the lone New Palestine RBI.
Cathedral (17-6) topped Warren Central, 8-2, in Thursday’s first game, setting up Monday’s sectional championship rematch, scheduled for noon at New Palestine.
The Dragons (16-12) are looking for their 17th sectional championship in program history and first since 2015.
