A defensive error in the fifth inning proved too much to overcome for Waldron.

In the Sectional 60 semifinal round Monday afternoon at Jac-Cen-Del, a costly error allowed South Decatur to score three unearned runs that finished off a 5-1 victory.

Devin Pate pitched into the seventh inning for South Decatur (17-8) and allowed three hits and three walks while striking out 12. Brock Lane needed three pitches to secure the final out and propel the Cougars into the championship game.

Pate and Colby Rathburn each had two hits to lead South Decatur.

Jacob Bennett matched up with Pate on the mound and was equally as impressive. The junior allowed eight hits in six innings and struck out seven. Of the five runs allowed, only two were earned.

Senior Bryce Yarling pitched a scoreless seventh inning to cap off his career. He also had two hits at the plate to raise his batting average to .463 this season. He finished the season with 31 stolen bases for Waldron (7-20).

In the championship game Monday night, North Decatur topped South Decatur, 8-4, to earn a regional championship game berth against Greenwood Christian, winner of the Morristown Sectional.

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