Notre Dame's offense delivers early, often

~ The Bulldogs struck for five runs in the top of the first to get off to a hot start.

All cylinders were clicking for the Notre Dame offense during Friday's Class 3 state quarterfinal game against Lutheran South.

The Bulldogs' bats finally came alive after being somewhat dormant against Potosi on Tuesday. They scored 11 runs on 10 hits and easily picked up the 11-1 victory to advance to the Class 3 final four. The game was called after the fifth inning due to the 10-run mercy rule.

"I knew we were capable of this," Notre Dame coach Jeff Graviett said. "We have guys hitting in the bottom of the order that can be hitting in the middle."

Notre Dame scored five runs in the first inning then added two more in the second and four in the third.

"We played great," senior center fielder Austin Greer said. "I don't think we could have played any better."

Greer, who recently had his 18-game hitting streak end against Potosi, is chasing a bit of family history. He is only one hit shy of tying his uncle's school record of 44 hits in a season.

"I think about it every time I go on deck," he said. "I really want it."

The Notre Dame defense also played well, not giving up a run until the bottom of the fifth inning.

"I was surprised that we dominated them like this," Graviett said.

Junior pitcher Colton Young, who threw a complete game, gave himself some run support, hitting a solo homer in the second inning.

Graviett was happy with his team's performance, but insists it takes more than quality hitting to win at the state tournament.

"When you can put up numbers like this, it's key," Graviett said. "But pitching and defense are also keys."

The win, No. 27, set a school record for victories in a season. It also earned the Bulldogs their second straight trip to the final four.

Notre Dame hasn't won a state title in baseball since 1993.