SEMINOLE — The Osceola Warriors are heading to the Class 4A regional finals after a gritty 9-6 victory over Island Coast on Saturday in a regional semifinal thriller that went down to the final inning.

The bottom of the Warriors lineup was the difference maker. Spadorcia, Conley and Dubiel combined for six of Osceola's 10 hits, scored three runs and drove in four in a game that saw four lead changes and never felt safe until the final out.

Osceola jumped out early when Futch led off with a solo home run to left field in the first inning. The Warriors extended their lead to 3-1 in the second on run-scoring plays from Conley and Dubiel. But Island Coast refused to go quietly, rallying to take a 4-3 lead in the third on key hits from Schoolcraft, Hawkins and a Jaquez groundout.

The game was tied at five heading into the sixth when Conley delivered again, launching a home run to left field to even the score. Then came the decisive seventh inning. Spadorcia singled to score one run, and Conley followed with another single to push the lead to 9-6 and seal the victory.

On the mound Pembleton was outstanding in relief, tossing two hitless innings while striking out three to earn the win. Wing was equally impressive earlier in relief, throwing two scoreless frames and striking out three. Starter Stegbauer gave up six hits and four runs in two innings but the bullpen bailed the Warriors out in a big way.

For Island Coast, Schoolcraft was magnificent going 3-for-4 with two RBI in a losing effort. Hawkins and Campos also had multiple hits for the Gators.

Osceola now advances to the Class 4A regional finals where they will face Tampa Jesuit on May 8. A win sends the Warriors to Fort Myers for the state championships for the first time in program history.

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