ZEIGLER — Goreville catcher Ian Sopczak made a diving tag at the plate on ZRC’s Gunner Burzynski for the game’s final out to preserve the Blackcats’ 3-2, 9-inning win Monday in Zeigler.

Blackcats’ starter Casey Lenon and Tornadoes’ starter Scout Hudgens were fantastic, each allowing only single tallies in the fourth inning, as this one went extra innings tied at one.

ZRC had a couple of chances to win it in the eighth. Briley Dunn ruined Landen Bate’s bid for a game-winning hit when he threw out Briar Rowland at the plate. Dunn later tracked down Trey Cole’s fly ball into right center with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Goreville took the lead in the top of the ninth. Dylan Compton’s sacrifice fly scored Hunter Francis. The Blackcats added another run for a 3-1 lead.

ZRC cut it to 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth on a two-out RBI hit by Bate. A walk loaded the bases, setting up Sopczak’s heroics.

The same two teams will meet again in Goreville Friday.