Colton Webb’s solo home run staked the Hearts to a 1-0 lead in the second inning. SAHS came back to take a 2-1 lead in the third on a two-run double by Brock Fearday.
The Hearts regained the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth. Spencer Fox walked and raced to third on a base by Carter Braddy, who then stole second base. Brayden Verdeyen followed with a single that drove in both runners to make it 3-2.
Effingham increased its lead with a three-run sixth. Braddy walked, stole second and scored on Verdeyen’s second hit of the game. After Traub walked, Brody Boehm had a sacrifice fly and Kaden Koeberlein capped the inning with an RBI single.
Webb was also the winning pitcher. He went six-plus innings, giving up three runs and five hits. He also walked four and struck out four, while throwing 98 pitches. Joe Tegeler took the loss for St. Anthony.
The Hearts improved to 18-8 on the season. They will play at home Tuesday against Highland.
The Bulldogs finished their regular season with a 20-5 record. They will now compete in the Marshall Class 2A Regional. St. Anthony is the No. 1 seed and will play either Marshall or Paris at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.