MITCHELL — Two sixth-inning runs resulting from a tough-luck fielding mishap by Trinity Lutheran’s baseball team gave South Central the boost it needed to claim the Mitchell Regional on Monday.

The Rebels (14-8) defeated Trinity, 5-3, to advance to next Saturday’s semistate round to take on Indianapolis Lutheran (17-15).

The loss ended the Cougars’ season with a 15-12 record.

“I hate to see the seniors go out like that,” Trinity coach Ben Kleber said. “But all credit to South Central. They did a little bit better job than us today.”

The regional was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday but was postponed due to persistent and heavy rain. The game was instead played on Monday evening under a cloudless sky and a bright sun.

Rightfield is where the evening sun shines brightest on Mitchell’s new baseball field and that’s exactly where South Central’s Jarrett Ferree sent a high flyball in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Rebels had two runners on base with two outs when the ball came off of Ferree’s bat. Trinity right fielder John Harris appeared to misjudge the ball as he struggled to shield the sun. The ball dropped behind him, allowing South Central’s Clinton Fouts and Christian Kiper to score.

“We should have caught that fly ball and been out of the inning,” Kleber said. “I know John’s down on himself, but that’s how the baseball falls. We got the benefit of that the inning before.”

Indeed, South Central had its own rightfield misplay in the top of the sixth inning. Trinity senior Peyton Pollert singled to right and watched as the ball scooted past Rebel right fielder Peyton Tyree. As the ball rolled to the wall, the race was on.

Kowan Gross scored from first base on the miscue. Pollert sprinted around second and headed towards third. Standing in the third base coach’s box, Kleber decided to send Pollert home.

“We wanted to make them make a throw to get us out,” said Kleber. “Fortunately for us, they didn’t make it in time. It was exciting to tie the game.”

Pollert’s run knotted the game at 3-3, but after South Central scored its runs in the bottom half of the inning, Trinity couldn’t budge Rebel pitcher Cole Thomas. The junior righthander threw a complete game, striking out nine while giving up four hits and two walks.

“He mixed speeds really well,” Kleber said. “He wasn’t overpowering, but he threw a really good changeup. The umpire gave him the outer half and he kept hitting it, so you’ve got to give him credit.”

Trinity sophomore hurler Jackson Trueblood also pitched a complete game, allowing seven hits and three walks while striking out six.

“You can’t say anything more about Jackson Trueblood,” Kleber said. “He pitched like he has all year and kept us in the game. We just couldn’t find our bats today.”

The Cougars had four hits, led by Pollert with a double to go along with his sixth-inning single. Gross and Levi Pottschmidt each added a single.

“I’m proud of the boys,” Kleber said. “To start how we did (nine losses in the first 10 games), and end with 15 wins, which is a new high for me here at Trinity, that’s exciting for the boys. We’re sending out a great senior class and are looking forward to next year.”

South Central’s lineup featured the remarkable Landis Sims, who was born without hands and most of his lower legs.

Despite the limitations, the senior, who wears prosthetic legs, started as the Rebels’ designated hitter.

In four plate appearances, Sims reached base twice, first on a line drive single to left in the first inning and then on an error in the fifth. He stole second in the fifth when South Central found itself in a first-and-third situation and Trinity conceded the base to prevent the runner at third from scoring.

Mitchell Regional Final

Trinity Lutheran (15-12) vs. South Central (14-8)

Trinity Lutheran; 3

South Central; 5

Trinity hitting: Hits- Peyton Pollert 2, Kowan Gross, Levi Pottschmidt. 2B- Pollert. Runs- Pollert, Gross, John Harris.

Trinity pitching: Jackson Trueblood 6IP, 7H, 5R, 6K, 3BB.