The Effingham Hearts used a four-run third inning to take the lead and went on to post an 8-3 victory Friday afternoon at Civic Memorial in Bethalto.

The hosts grabbed a 2-0 lead in the opening frame, but the third proved to be pivotal for EHS.

Kaiden Nichols led off with a walk. With one out, Cam Raddatz singled and both runners moved up on a fly ball. Spencer Fox then delivered a clutch two-run single to tie the game. An error allowed another run to cross the plate and Braden Verdeyen capped the inning with an RBI double.

A sacrifice fly by Fox accounted for a single tally in the fifth and the Hearts provided some additional cushion with a three-run sixth. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases. A sacrifice fly by Raddatz brought home the first run and Colton Webb delivered a two-run single.

Nichols pitched the first four innings to get the win. He allowed five hits and two runs, while walking three and striking out four. Jude Traub pitched the final three frames to earn the save.

The Hearts improved to 19-9 on the season. They will be right back in action Saturday, finishing their regular season with a doubleheader at Centralia. The first game is scheduled for 11 a.m.