DIVISION I-A BASEBALL: Johnson’s two-hitter puts Crusaders one win away from title

Brandon Johnson tossed a two-hitter and struck out six Friday to help Faith Lutheran’s baseball team to an 11-0 win over Churchill County in the winners’ bracket final of the Division I-A state baseball tournament at Sparks High School.

The Crusaders (29-6) advance to the state title game against Churchill County (24-9-1) at 9 a.m. Saturday at UNR’s Peccole Park. The Greenwave won their way back to the final by downing South Tahoe 11-1 in the losers’ bracket final.

After surrendering a leadoff double to Dalton Frank to open the game, Johnson held Churchill County hitless until the fifth.

Erich Uelmen and Cameron Sepede each hit a two-run home run for the Crusaders. Uelmen finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs for Faith Lutheran.

Churchill County must beat the Crusaders twice to win the state title. Faith Lutheran needs only one win to become state champion.

South Tahoe 13, Chaparral 8 — Chad Clark went 2-for-3 with three runs, but the Cowboys fell short to the Vikings in an elimination game.

Tommy Crone finished 2-for-2, and teammate Luis Giro had three RBIs for Chaparral, which led 8-5 after five innings.

South Tahoe’s Dominic Diana was 4-for-5 with a triple and three runs.