Joel Benes came the ballpark and meant business on Saturday in the first game of the state tournament, driving in four runs on two hits to lead the Titans past Elkhorn 5-2. Benes drove in 2 runs on a single in the fourth and a 2 run home run in the sixth. Norris pulled away for good with two runs in the fourth inning. In the fourth Benes singled on a 2-2 count, scoring the two runs. Evan Bennett was the winning pitcher for Norris. He allowed four hits and two runs over four and a third innings, striking out two. Colbey Behrends threw two and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen to earn the save. Kyler Beekman took the loss for Elkhorn. He lasted three and two-thirds innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out six.
The Titans hit one home run on the day with Benes dinger in the sixth inning. The team tallied 11 hits. Colson Hestermann, Cade Argo, and Benes all managed multiple hits for Norris. Hestermann led the team with three hits in four at-bats. Norris was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Connor Price had the most chances in the field with five.
Elkhorn didn't commit a single error in the field. Brayden Bock had six chances in the field, the most on the team. The Titans advance to the second round of the State Tournament and will play EMC foe, second-seeded Bennington. Game time is set for 7:00 at Werner Park in Lavista.

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