As expected, Tuesday night's Class 4 sectional contest between the Helias Crusaders and Rock Bridge Bruins was dominated by a senior pitcher. But the pitcher in question might have been a little unexpected.
The Crusaders came in knowing they'd be facing Ryan Phillips, a Missouri recruit with a glitzy 0.99 ERA.
As it was, they only had to face him for 3 1/3 innings, as Helias' Deion Hughes was the more impressive hurler and the Crusaders steamrolled to a 9-3 win at the American Legion Sports Complex.
The reward for the Crusaders (22-3), who have now won 14 straight, is a quarterfinal game Thursday at Willard (21-9).