SIKESTON REACHES TITLE GAME

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Sikeston is one win away from a state title.

The Bulldogs (22-4) crushed Branson (24-9) 14-4 in five innings Friday in the Class 3A semifinals at Simmons Field.

Sikeston banged out 10 hits -- six of them doubles -- and used a seven-run second inning and a five-run fourth to pull out the victory.

Bobby Landers picked up the win. He allowed four runs, three earned, on four hits and four walks while striking out one.

Chris Cota did the most damage at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and one run. Landers went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and Jamie Puckett went 2-for-3 with two doubles.

The Bulldogs knocked Branson ace Colby Hughes out of the game in the fourth inning. Hughes went 3 2/3 innings and gave up 10 runs, seven earned, on seven hits and four walks. None of Sikeston's batters struck out.