Springfield Catholic Fightin' Irish snatched the lead late in their 4-3 victory over Westminster Christian Wildcats on Thursday. The game was tied at three in the bottom of the sixth when Easton Gifford singled, scoring one run. 

Westminster Christian got on the board in the top of the first inning after Owen Leingang walked and Grady Arnold singled to center field, each scoring one run.

The Irish tied the game in the bottom of the first thanks to a fielder's choice by Nic Ruter, and a single by Rhett Layne.

Westminster Christian took the lead in the top of the third. Arnold singled, scoring one run, to give the Wildcats the advantage, 3-2.

Layne flew out, which helped the Irish tie the game at three in the bottom of the fifth.

Jack Bels earned the win for Springfield Catholic. The pitcher surrendered two hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out two and walking one. Eli Boss took the loss for Westminster Christian. The reliever went two and two-thirds innings, allowing one run on zero hits, striking out one and walking one. Rhett Layne opened the game for Catholic. The hurler allowed five hits and three runs over three innings, striking out one and walking five. Michell McAlister led things off on the hill for Westminster Christian. The starting pitcher allowed two hits and two runs (one earned) over two and one-third innings, striking out one and walking two.

Layne drove the middle of the lineup, leading the Irish with two runs batted in. The pitcher went 1-for-2 on the day. Layne, Nate Lask, and Giffort eavch collected one hit for the Irish. Catholic turned two double plays in the game with zero errors. Elye Henderson made the most plays with five.

With the win, Springfield Catholic earned it's highest MSHSAA state finish since the Irish placed 2nd in Class 4 in 2023. They were moved up to Class 4 following their 2nd place Class 3 finish in 2022.