Festus is Final 4-bound after baseball state quarters win

(St. Louis) For the first time since the year 2000, the Festus Tigers are headed to the baseball Final 4.

Festus defeated Lutheran South 12-2 in the Class 5 state quarterfinals Saturday on J98.

Despite trailing 1-0 after a half-inning, the Tigers didn’t blink and immediately answered.

Festus would continue to swing the bats well in the second inning thanks to star sophomore shortstop Hayden Bates.

After being blanked in the third, the Tigers scored once in each of the next 2 innings, including a big blow from senior third baseman Connor McDonald.

Freshman Mason Schirmer dominated on the mound, allowing just 1 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7 in 5 1/3 innings.

That set the stage for Festus to end the game early with a 5-run explosion in the sixth.

Tigers head coach Jeff Montgomery said it’s a sweet feeling to reach the Final 4.

Bates finished with 2 hits and 4 runs batted in.

The Applebee’s of Farmington Player of the Game said it was a complete team win.

Festus wins its 11th straight to improve to 26-8 and reach the state semifinals for the 4th time in school history.

The Tigers will play top-ranked Willard for a spot in the Class 5 championship game Friday afternoon in Ozark.

Festus Head Coach Jeff Montgomery Interview

Player of the Game Interview

Full Game Broadcast