NEW BLOOMFIELD - The New Bloomfield Wildcats had to make it interesting for first-year head coach Brandon Talbot.
New Bloomfield appeared to be in control of Friday night's Class 2 quarterfinal against Elsberry, leading 2-0 behind a crisp outing from starter Kolby O'Dowd. Then the Indians broke through with a two-out rally in the bottom of the sixth inning against O'Dowd, coming up with two runs to tie the game.
The Wildcats regained command in the top of the seventh when Skyler Lucas singled home the go-ahead run with two outs. Jake Rieken followed with a two-out single to put New Bloomfield up 5-2.
However, the Wildcats were forced to endure one final charge by Elsberry. The Indians tallied two runs in the bottom of the seventh before reliever Aaron Bedsworth extinguished the rally to put the wraps on New Bloomfield's 5-4 victory.