Panthers advance to Final Four in state

The Reed-Custer Middle School A baseball team shutout Mossville 10-0 to advance to the Final Four of the Class 2A state baeball tournament.

The Panthers (17-4-1) got a another stellar performance on the mound by pitcher Matthew Kuban who three a no-hitter over five innings. He struck out nine batters and walked just two while holding Mossville scoreless.

Reed-Custer scored three runs their first turn at bat and added five more in the third before finishing Mossville (13-10) off with two runs in the fifth to end early by mercy rule.

Reed Newbrough carried the big stick for the Panthers wit a home run and three RBIs while scoring twice. Kaiden Kline went 2-for-3 and scored twice while Kuban tripled in one run and scored twice. Also helping out were Nathan Vogler with one hit and three RBIs, Caedon Baumgartner and Jagger Garcia with a RBI single each. Chase Isaac and Trent Boudreau each scored a run.

The Panthers will face Washington (13-10) who upset Sidell Salt Fork (13-1)  at noon today. If they win they will play for the state championship at 4:30 p.m. at the Eastside Centre in East Peoria, IL. A loss would put them in the 2:30 p.m. game to decide third place.