SIKESTON WINS SECTIONAL

SIKESTON, Mo. --The Sikeston High School baseball team moved to within one victory of a berth in the Class 3A state semifinals as the Bulldogs defeated visiting Festus 8-1 in Thursday's sectional round.

Sikeston (20-5) will have another home game Saturday, facing Sullivan (11-10-1) at 1 p.m. at VFW Stadium in the quarterfinals.

The Bulldogs broke open a close game against Festus (22-4) by scoring seven runs in the fifth inning as they opened up an 8-0 lead.

Bobby Landers pitched all seven innings for the victory, allowing five hits while striking out four and walking three.

Sikeston had nine hits, led by Kent Chappell and Chris Cota with two each. Chappell drove in three runs.