AUSTINTOWN HANGS ON TO STAY ALIVE

WHITESTOWN IN- Austintown built a 4-run lead in the third inning and then held off Illinois’s charge for a 4-3 victory on Wednesday in a regional elimination game. Illinois closed the gap by scoring on a triple, a single, and a single.

Austintown got on the board in the top of the first inning after Kate Averell doubled, and Annabel Mikesell grounded out, each scoring one run.

Austintown added to their early lead in the top of the third inning after Lexi Petrilla doubled to bring a run home, and a run scored on a passed ball.

Mikesell stepped in the circle first for Austintown. The righty gave up seven hits and three runs (two earned) over five innings, striking out four and walking one. Mila Hamley threw one inning of scoreless ball in relief to close the door on Illinois. The reliever gave up zero hits, striking out three and walking none.

Hamley also led Austintown with two hits in two at bats. Petrilla, Averell, and Mikesell each drove in one run.

Austintown has to win a second game of the day to make it the semifinals. They’ll play Missouri Wednesday night at 7:00 on ESPN+.