A major postseason obstacle was cleared Thursday night for the Highland Huskies baseball team (22-6 overall). The Huskies hosted their Southeast Iowa Super Conference North rivals the Lone Tree Lions (11-13 overall) in the semifinal round of the Class 1A District 10 bracket. Highland, who had their season end at the hands of Lone Tree the last three seasons, sent the Lions into the offseason with a 10-0 victory in five innings.

A majority of Highland’s runs came with two outs. After scoring two runs in the first inning, Highland plated their the final eight runs with two outs. The Huskies scored five runs in the second, one run in the third, and three more in the fourth.

Junior Chase Rath earned the win on the mound for the Huskies. He scattered three hits over four innings pitched, walked on batter, and struck out six. Senior Spencer Wieland forced three walks, and scored three runs. Junior Caleb Brase went three-for-three at the plate, recorded two doubles, and drove in three runs.

The Huskies advance to Saturday’s district championship, hosting the New London Tigers (17-8 overall). First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Highland High School.