Peoria-Area Teams Gear Up for Sectional Finals in IHSA Baseball

On June 3, seven baseball teams from the Peoria area triumphed in their sectional semifinals, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen of the Illinois High School Association postseason. These teams represent various classes, with Tremont, Monmouth United, and Putnam County competing in Class 1A, while Brimfield/Elmwood faces Illini West in Class 2A. Additionally, East Peoria and Dunlap, both from the Mid-Illini Conference, will clash for a spot in the Class 3A Elite Eight.

In Class 1A, Tremont secured their spot by defeating Athens 7-1 at the Bloomington Sectional semifinal. With an impressive 12 hits, Tremont is on a 21-game winning streak, aiming for their first sectional title since 2012. Andrew Dawson, a Valparaiso signee, was stellar on the mound, striking out 12 batters and allowing only three hits. Tremont will face Lexington at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6.

Monmouth United also made headlines with a 5-1 victory over Mt. Sterling Brown County in the Camp Point Central Sectional semifinals. This win has set the stage for the Red Storm to pursue their first-ever sectional title. Aiden Martin delivered a strong performance on the mound with seven strikeouts over seven innings, while Chance Stewart contributed significantly on offense. They will meet Jacksonville Routt in their sectional final at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6.

Putnam County showcased a dominant offense, run-ruling Newark 11-1 in five innings at the Granville Sectional semifinal. With a combined effort from Johnathon Stunkel and Rudy Villagomez on the mound, the Panthers are looking to replicate their 2013 runner-up finish. They will take on Fulton on Saturday, June 6, at 11 a.m.

Brimfield/Elmwood edged past Taylor Ridge Rockridge in an intense 7-6, eight-inning battle in the Chillicothe Sectional semifinal. Dan Fagerburg’s walk-off single secured the win, propelling them to the Sweet Sixteen. They will face Illini West, who defeated Monmouth-Roseville 5-1 and is eyeing their second sectional title, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.

In Class 3A, East Peoria managed a narrow 1-0 victory against rival Metamora, with Dalton Oakman pitching a complete game shutout. The Raiders are aiming for their first sectional title since 1974 and will play Dunlap, who defeated Joliet Catholic Academy 11-7, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6.