Barnard's big game sends Beatrice to state championship

HASTINGS, NE -- Addie Barnard tossed seven shutout innings and scored the winning run as Beatrice beat Wayne 1-0 on Thursday night.

Barnard and Blue Devils (32-4) pitcher Tori Kniesche were locked in a pitchers duel until the bottom of the 6th inning.  Barnard started the frame with a double over the third baseman's head.  Then, Whitney Schwisow placed a perfect bunt that rolled to a vacant part of the infield, allowing Barnard to score and Schwisow to notch a double.

Barnard sent down the Wayne side in order in the top of the 7th to secure the win for the Lady Orange (32-4).

The star senior pitcher struck out 11 batters and allowed just one walk.  She gave up five hits and allowed a base runner in six innings but didn't surrender a run.  Barnard improved to 17-4 on the season.

Beatrice will play in the championship game at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.  You can hear it on KWBE and http://player.listenlive.co/53181.  The Lady Orange will play the winner of Seward vs. Wayne.  That game is at 11:30 a.m.