BASEBALL: Lee's no-no sends DMS to State

MURPHYSBORO, IL - Braden Lee got some help from his defense and seven runs from the Warriors' offense in Saturday's Class L Regional Championship game at Murphysboro, tossing a no-hitter and walking just one batter in Du Quoin Middle School's 7-0 victory over MMS.

Lee was mobbed by teammates after two dazzling defensive gems in the seventh - one in center by Brandon Edwards and another in short right field by second baseman Klayton Donoghue.

"(Braden Lee) was fantastic," said Warriors head coach Tim Craft. "As soon as the first inning was through, we knew he had it. He had good control and the defense did a great job of fielding the balls behind him. He did exactly what we asked him to do and the defense did exactly what we asked them to do."

DMS got on the board in the second with an RBI single by Hank Stewart that brought in Braden Heape for the game's first run.

Edwards plated two more runs an inning later with a double, sending Anthony Spiller and Tevin Lee across before later scoring himself to make it 4-0.

Ashton Smith added an RBI in a three-run fifth for Du Quoin.

B. Lee struck out seven and allowed just one baserunner - a leadoff walk in the third. He was also 2-for-2 at the plate with a double, two walks and a run scored.

Edwards (2-3, 2B, 2R, 2 RBI), Smith (1-4, 2B, R), Stewart (1-3, BB, RBI), Heape (1-3, 3B, 2 R) and Donoghue (1-3) also had hits for the Warriors against Murphy.

"The kids have really done well offensively," Craft said. "We've been trying to really focus on when you have a runner at second, do your job and get them in."

"All the way through the lineup we've had kids come through with big games lately. It's been a lot of fun to watch this group from the beginning and see how far they've come in just a few weeks."

DMS will try to take the next step this weekend in Centralia at Rotary Park when they face Herrin in the Class L State Quarterfinals at 11:00 a.m.