Junior C.J. Cepicky smashed three triples, was hit by a pitch, drove in three runs and scored twice to lead Vianney to a 9-1 win against Hillsboro in the Class 5 sectionals Tuesday in Kirkwood. Cepicky has seven triples this season.
The game was originally scheduled at Hillsboro but officials moved it to Vianney (27-9) because the Hawks’ infield was unplayable. The Griffins, who are the defending state champions, touched Hillsboro (14-7) starting pitcher Michael Brewer for five runs in the bottom of the first inning and led 8-1 after three.
Brewer gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead in the first inning with a two-out home run to right center field. He also doubled in his last at-bat in the seventh. He pitched five innings, allowed eight hits and struck out four.
Vianney starting pitcher Nathan Beaton earned the win, working six innings and allowing just two hits. Beaton leads the Griffins with seven wins this season.
Vianney will play the winner of Marquette and CBC in the state quarterfinals on Thursday. After winning three straight games by a score of 2-1, the Griffins have won their last two elimination games by a combined 14-1.
For a full account of this game, read the May 30 issue of the Leader.