The Effingham Flaming Hearts exploded for eight runs in the fifth inning Tuesday afternoon and went on to post a 12-4 win at Neoga.

The Hearts trailed 1-0 when they came to bat in the top of the fifth inning. Brody Boehm and Kaiden Nichols both singled to get the rally started. Kaden Koberlein followed with another base hit, but Boehm was thrown out trying to score.

Spencer Fox then walked to load the bases. That was the first of five walks in the inning – four of which forced in runs. Colton Webb and Braxton Lewis were the first two to walk with the sacks jammed and two more runs scored on a Neoga error.

Carter Braddy and Boehm both drew walks forcing in the fifth run of the frame. Nichols then delivered an RBI single and Koeberlein capped the inning with a two-run base hit, giving EHS an 8-1 lead.

The Hearts tacked on two more tallies in the sixth. Jude Traub drove in one with a base hit and Boehm added an RBI double.

Braddy pitched the first five innings and got the win. He allowed just one hit and one run, while walking four and striking out nine.

Effingham, now 12-4, will return to action Saturday at Mt. Carmel.