The Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils rallied to a 4‑3 victory over the top‑seeded Bishop McCort Crushers in a District 6 Class 2A semifinal on Tuesday night, securing a spot in the championship game.
A four‑run burst in the second inning set the tone, highlighted by Brady McConnell’s single up the middle that drove in the first run, followed by Alex McCartney’s double down the third‑base line that plated two more.
Caleb Plummer’s perfect bunt advanced McCartney to third, and a subsequent rundown allowed McCartney to score, extending the lead to 4‑0 before the Crushers could answer.
Bishop McCort managed a solitary run in the third, courtesy of Brady Page’s single, but Bellwood‑Antis answered with a bullet throw from Bradyn Partner that nailed a runner at home, preserving the advantage.
The game saw a series of tight innings, with Nate Denhard’s single bringing in the Crushers’ second run in the bottom of the third, and an error on Mason Dugan’s grounder gifting the Devils an extra run.
Killian Worthing and Denhard traded scoreless frames, and when Worthing was eventually relieved by Curtis Shedlock, the latter shut the door, finishing the game without allowing a baserunner.
Bellwood‑Antis coach Adam Plummer praised the team’s belief in each other, noting that the players executed the game plan and trusted one another under pressure.
The Blue Devils now turn their focus to the championship showdown against defending champions the Mount Union Trojans, a matchup that promises another fierce contest.
Looking Ahead to the Title Game
Coach Adam Plummer emphasized the need to stay disciplined and play their own brand of baseball, ready to meet the Trojans’ experience and depth.