Collin Herzog has pitched some strong games for the Jackson High School baseball team this season.

He said Tuesday's performance at Capaha Field tops the list.

Herzog took a shutout into the seventh inning and went the distance as the top-seeded Indians beat fourth-seeded Sikeston 2-1 in a SEMO Conference tournament semifinal.

"It was definitely my best game," said Herzog after leading the Indians into the tournament championship game. "The curve was there most of the time, the fastball was there most of the time. And the defense was working great."

Herzog, a junior, allowed seven hits. He struck out one, walked one and hit a batter.

Jackson's Kyle James tries to get a handle on a ground ball during the Indians' win over Sikeston.

"Collin has thrown very good for us this year. He's 5-2," Jackson coach Tatum Kitchen said. "He probably has the most velocity of anybody we have. He threw outstanding."

Herzog benefited from strong defense, including two sensational plays.

Senior center fielder Lane Thompson made a diving catch in the third inning during which Sikeston went down in order.

Senior second baseman Ryan O'Rear's defensive gem in the fourth inning saved one run for sure and maybe more.

With runners on first and second and one out, Colton Black hit a smash up the middle that appeared headed for center field.

Jackson's Cole Blanton runs for third during the Indians' win over Sikeston.

O'Rear, diving to his right, made the stop and quickly flipped to senior shortstop Laban Petzoldt for the force at second. Petzoldt fired to first to complete the inning-ending double play.

"We played great defense," Kitchen said. "That was a tremendous play."

Jackson won despite being outhit 7-3. The Indians scored both their runs in the second inning without the benefit of a hit, taking advantage of two Sikeston errors.

Senior third baseman Cody Harris led off with a walk, and senior DH Steven Eddy's ground ball to third was booted. Harris advanced to third when the ball rolled into foul territory for a two-base error.

Senior right fielder Cole Blanton's one-out RBI ground ball to short was booted for an error to score Harris with the game's first run. Junior catcher Jordan Hadden then put down an RBI squeeze bunt to make it 2-0.

"We were fortunate to win with only three hits," Kitchen said.

Sikeston threatened in the top of the seventh when Gavin O'Brien led off with a single and went to second on Cord Sheehy's one-out single. Jarrett Sandlin's ground ball to shortstop was turned into a forceout, but the throw to first was wild for Jackson's only error as a run scored.

Trey Tigart's single put runners on first and second before Herzog nailed down the victory with a fly ball.

Drew Harper also pitched a complete game for Sikeston. He struck out three and walked three.

Sikeston 000 000 1 -- 1 7 3

Jackson 020 000 x -- 2 3 1

WP -- Collin Herzog. LP -- Drew Harper. Multiple hits -- Sikeston: Gavin O'Brien 2-3, Trey Tigart 2-3. Records -- Sikeston 13-4, Jackson 17-5.