Back-to-back shutout performances has the Highland Huskies baseball team (23-6 overall) one step away from the state tournament. The Huskies hosted the New London Tigers (17-9 overall) in the championship game of the Class 1A District 10 bracket. Highland scored six of their seven runs after the third inning, defeating the Tigers, 7-0.

Highland’s pitching duo of freshman Brody Burton and junior Chase Rath combined to allow three hits in the victory. Burton, who started the championship game, earned the win by allowing three hits over the first four innings, walking two and striking out one. Rath relieved Burton in the fifth and finished the game with two walks and six strikeouts recorded.

The Huskies’ offense plated seven runs on 13 hits. Highland also stole five bases. Four Huskies collected multiple hits, including Rath, junior Garrett Colbert, junior Josh Michel, and freshman Trey Lasek. Lasek drove in a team-leading three runs.

Highland advances to tomorrow’s Class 1A Subdistrict 5 championship game at Solon High School, facing the North Linn Lynx (33-9 overall). The Lynx defeated the Lisbon Lions (24-13 overall), 3-1, in the Class 1A District 9 championship game Saturday. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.