Sandburg struck first in the first inning with a quick rally of 2 runs and 3 hits against undefeated Scott Marinier (11-0)  including an RBI infield hit by Lucas Fritsch, and an error. And in the second, the Eagles kept their offense going behind Tony Stramaglia who tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the second.

The Mustangs got back in the game in a slow, methodical strategy - believing in their teammates as well as in their coaches.

In the fifth, the Mustangs tied the game @ four on a two-out, full count single by Anthony Andres' who sealed the game against Mt Carmel this past weekend. He continued his hitting ways for the Mustangs playoff chances.

sacrifice fly from Dan Dispensa, which secured the victory for the Mustangs. "I felt good and relaxed at the plate," Stearns' said. "I saw a good pitch and I took advantage of it to help the team."

This is St. Rita's second state appearance in three years. St. Rita will face O'Fallon on Friday at Silver Cross Field in Joliet.

includes striking out the side in the 7th inning. ‘‘I felt great out there,’’ said Filomeno.  ‘‘I was only supposed to throw 30 pitches, but no way I was going to let my teammates down.’’

Other notable plays during their rally was junior Shane Conlon who hit a double in the second and a sacrifice fly in the fourth, and junior Mark Payton scored runs in the fourth and the fifth. "We just kept fighting and trusting in each other," said Conlon after the game. "Right now, we are happy for the victory and we are going to prepare for this weekend."

Any pictures taking at the game can be found in our photo gallery - click here!