By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Southern Indiana's representative, from New Albany, headed into the 13-year-old Babe Ruth Ohio Valley Regional championship game undefeated in the tournament.
Their opponent, Lexington, representing Eastern Kentucky, would have to win twice in a row to steal the championship.
Through the first two innings, Lexington looked like it was on its way to completing that goal.
Eastern Kentucky went ahead early on an RBI double by first baseman Michael Buschmann, giving the All-Stars a 1-0 lead.
The next two innings went by without another score. In the bottom of the third inning, however, New Albany's bats finally came to life.
With runners at second and third and no outs, shortstop Graham Brown slapped a single through the infield that gave Southern Indiana a 2-1 lead. The next batter, pitcher Rolandan Finch, crushed a two-run home run to centerfield to give New Albany a 4-1 lead.
Lexington scored a run in the fourth and fifth innings to pull within one run. But catcher Kevin Mooney's two-run single in the bottom of the fifth gave New Albany the final edge.
Finch was impressive at the plate, but even more impressive on the mound. He pitched a complete game for Southern Indiana, allowing the three runs on seven hits.
Jason Dome had two hits for New Albany.
For Lexington, Devon Wiliams had two hits and an RBI. Williams also started the game, pitching five innings and giving up six runs on nine hits and three walks.
Mario Epps also had two hits for Eastern Kentucky.
New Albany now heads to Van Buren, Ark. for the 13-year-old World Series.