SACRAMENTO — The Lincoln High baseball team entered the CIF-San Joaquin Section Division III Playoffs as the Pioneer Valley League’s No. 3 seed, only to win four straight games and earn a spot in the championship game scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday.

The Fighting Zebras beat Rio Americano in an outbracket game and then defeated Yuba City, the Tri-County Conference No. 1 seed and Div. III defending champion.  That put Lincoln in a best-of-three game series with PVL champion and No. 1 seed Colfax.

Wednesday afternoon, the Zebras completed a sweep of the Falcons with a 5-3 victory at McAuliffe Memorial Ballparks. Lincoln handed Colfax a 12-5 defeat Saturday and are now considered serious contenders for the section title.

 “It feels like we’re not done yet,” said Lincoln head coach Troy Petersen, after the victory and prior to the conclusion of the River Valley vs. Pioneer series. “We’re coming to win Monday.  Pioneer and River Valley are hard working teams. Both are very tough teams.  We have to be ready and come to play.”

Ironically, Lincoln will meet No. 3 seed Pioneer in the championship tilt. The Patriots beat No. 2 River Valley Wednesday night to conclude their three-game series and earn a spot in the title game.

In the top of the seventh inning against Colfax with the score tied 2-2, the Zebras loaded the bases with two outs. Freshman Charles Middleton then delivered a base hit to score Jordan Erickson.  Eli Garcia and Jake Sola were also able to cross the plate in that inning to give Lincoln the cushion they needed.

“I knew if we didn’t shut them down here, then they’ll have the momentum heading into game (three),” said pitcher Jake Sola.

The Falcons came out in the bottom half of the frame swinging. They scored a run and put runners in scoring position, but Sola and his defense stepped up to end the threat.

In a pickoff move, Middleton was able to tag out the runner at third base for the second out and the batter followed with a pop fly for the final out to end the contest.

“I’m feeling good,” said Middleton, “I’m excited to be here; to have that opportunity to play here and to play in sections.”

LINCOLN 5, COLFAX 3

Zebras                  0 0 0  0 1 1  3 – 5  10  0

Falcons                 0 0 0  0 0 2  1 – 3    7  2

Source:  http://www.lincolnnewsmessenger.com/article/lincoln-sweeps-colfax-and-advances-div-iii-championship-game