St. Bede back in the sectional hunt

St. Bede Bruins logo

The St. Bede Bruins baseball team is carrying the area torch into sectional play.

The Bruins (12-11) rallied to defeat Yorkville Christian 17-11 to capture the 1A regional crown.

Their next trip for the Bruins in postseason play is a date at Grant Park at 4:30 p.m. Today. The Dragons (12-7) beat host Chicago Hope Academy 8-2 in Monday’s regional finals.

Coach Bill Booker and the Bruins are ready for the next step.

“Postseason is always another level of intensity. We’re young, but have improved immensely this season,” Booker said. “Missing last season and having these seniors have a chance to make ‘the St. Bede Baseball Banner” has been one of their goals. Monday was a wild one that proved these kids will battle for a full 7... That’s really what we as coaches want.

“I’m very proud of this group heading into the sectional semi today.”

St. Bede won its 22nd regional championship in school history, its first since 2015 when it placed fourth at state. The Bruins have won seven sectional titles dating back to 1944.

Today’s game will be played at 421 Essen Farm Road in Grant Park.

In other 1A regional baseball finals today

* Delavan (4-9) plays at Annawan-Wethersfield (13-7). A-W beat host Putnam County 2-0 in Monday’s regional finals

* Sterling Newman (13-8) plays at Warren (19-1). The Comets beat TRAC rival Fulton 3-2 for the regional title on their home field.

* Winnetka North Shore Country Day (9-4) at Newark (23-1)

In Class 2A regional baseball

* Winnebago (14-3) plays at Rock Falls (8-13-1). The Rockets knocked out Princeton 8-3 Monday.