Metro East Bears, Highland both advance to Illinois Fifth Division American Legion baseball tourney

EDWARDSVILLE – Highland's win over Smithton in an Illinois District 22 American Legion baseball playoff elimination game Friday night prompted a decision about Saturday's scheduled championship games.

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With Highland getting an automatic bid to the Illinois Fifth Division as host team under Legion baseball rules and the Bears assured of advancing regardless of the result or results – the tournament begins Monday – Saturday's final was called off. The Bears will advance to the division tournament as District 22 champions.

Highland defeated Smithton/Freeburg 3-2 at Highland's Glik Park in Friday's elimination game. The Bears, 31-7, will play at noon Monday at Glik Park to open the tournament; the Fifth Division winner advances to the Illinois state tournament in Rantoul July 26-29, with the Legion Great Lakes Regional taking place in Napoleon, Ohio, Aug. 2-6. The Legion World Series is set for Aug. 10-15 in Shelby, N.C.

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