By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — No. 23 seed Springfield had designs on an upset as it cut Riverside’s three-run lead to one in the fifth inning of the Class 2A bi-district playoff game between the teams. But the 10th seeded Rebels took the Bulldogs’ challenge and answered, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fifth to set up a 10-run rule victory in six innings, 12-2.

Riverside will travel to face defending Class 2A champion Northlake Christian in the regional round. The No. 7 seed Wolverines defeated Mamou, 10-0, to advance.

Austin Vicknair was 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs for the Rebels.

His home run came in the fifth inning and opened the door for the Rebel offense, said Riverside coach Matt White.

“We weathered their storm and came right back,” said White. “That home run helped us break it open. Any time you can 10-run someone in the playoffs, it’s a big thing.”

Wren Vicknair scored two runs and collected two RBIs. Tate Scioneaux went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Kaleb Bush was 2 for 4 with two runs and Grady Gieger was 2 for 2 with an RBI.

Scioneaux earned the win on the mound, allowing one earned run on five hits and two walks. He struck out seven over the complete six-inning game.

Riverside led 10-2 after the fifth and tacked on two in the sixth to finish the game.

“We were able to knock their starter out of the game and that was a key,” said White. “We knew he was tough. He started for them when they shut out Northlake in district. So it was a good test and something for us to build on.”

White said that he knows his team is in for a challenge against Northlake Christian, but believes his team will be up for it.

“They won it all, and as soon as we learned we’d be playing them … you just know you shouldn’t have a problem getting up to play against the defending champs at their place,” said White.

“We know we’ll get their best pitcher and their best shot. We’ll have to give them the same.”