ADVANCE BEATS ORAN IN HUGE 1A MATCHUP

ORAN -- Advance High pitcher Garrett Broshuis had very little defense behind him, but despite playing with a fever, he maintained his cool and struck out the final batter Wednesday to grab a key 7-6 rematch victory in relief over district and arch-rival Oran.

In a game for the possible top seed in the Class 1A District 2 Tournament, the Hornets held off a late rally from the host Eagles, who scored twice in the seventh inning and threatened with runners on the corners before Broshuis -- a University of Missouri signee -- sealed the win.

Advance improved to 9-3 while Oran, which dropped its fourth straight, fell to 7-5.

The Hornets certainly didn't want to give Oran a look at their ace before districts -- Broshuis was also slowed by a 103-degree fever, which is the main reason coach Darrell Dannemueller did not start him -- and they made four errors, all of which led to runs.

"We got what we wanted if anything," said Oran coach Mitch Wood. "We got to see Broshuis and we got to him. We're tickled to death with that. Hopefully we'll get to see him again."

The Eagles had their chances to win, especially in the seventh. Travis Friga reached on an error and freshman Ryne Wood successfully moved him to second on another error. Freshman Trey Graviett then loaded the bases when Broshuis hit him.

With two outs, leadoff man Ryan Dennis broke out of his slump with a two-run single, cutting the lead to 7-6. But Broshuis fanned Adam Friga to end things.

Oran didn't help its cause any either with its own share of mental mistakes.

The Eagles' main problem, however, was pitching. In the first two innings, Philip Seyer seriously struggled as he found himself down 4-0.

Seyer suffered the loss. He struck out five, but was charged with seven runs (one earned) on four hits and six walks.

Seyer did much better offensively going 2-for-4, including a home run.

"We should have lost. We got lucky because Oran's a very good ball team," said Dannenmueller. "It got real sloppy, I don't remember how many errors we had it got so bad. We didn't play for (D.A.) Slinkard or for Broshuis. But I would rather take an ugly win than a bad loss, especially against Oran."

After Oran rallied for a 4-4 tie, Advance took the lead for good with three runs in the sixth inning.

Broshuis improved to 3-1 on the season. In 3 2/3 innings, he allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out six and walking one.

Slinkard, the starter, struck out six in 3 1/3 innings. He allowing four runs (one earned), six hits and two walks.

Adam Rainey of Advance went 2-for-3 with a double, two stolen bases and an RBI.

Graviett and Adam Friga each added two hits for the Eagles.