McDERMOTT - The sequel was virtually the same, but the Ironton Fighting Tigers wouldn't mind seeing this movie over and over again.

Last season, Ironton beat the Lucasville Valley Indians 4-3 in nine innings to win the Division III district championship. The teams meet again Thursday - in the district semifinals this time - and Ironton still managed a 4-3 win in eight innings.

The game was suspended after six inning on Monday with the score tied 3-3.

Ironton (14-9) now plays Federal Hocking at 5 p.m. Friday in the district finals.

Taking advantage of a shaky Lucasville defense and nine walks, Ironton got an unearned run and then watched as Josh Sands shut down the Indians in relief for the second straight year.

"It was a game of ups and downs. We had a lot of chances and couldn't get the big hit most of the game, but our guys clutched up when we had to have it," Ironton coach Mark Lewis said.

"We thought we had to get the lead and put pressure on them. Once we got ahead, Sands took over."

Sands, 4-3, threw two scoreless innings in relief of Dennis Gagai. Sands struck out four, did not allow a hit and

one of the two walks he issued was intentional.

"I really wanted to win this game. Once we got the lead, I just wanted to throw strikes and go after them," Sands said.

The winning rally began when Valley's Brandon Turner walked Greg Linn. Turner, who came back to pitch after being relieved in the second inning on Monday, allowed five walks for the game, including two in the final two innings.

After a fly out, pinch-runner Adam Ferguson went to third base when Dennis Gagai's ground ball went through the Valley shortstop. Gagai got in a rundown and Ferguson broke for home. The throw was high and up the third baseline, allowing Ferguson to easily cross home plate.

Sands struck out two of the three batters in the bottom of the inning - including the final out - to nail down the win.

Each team threatened in the seventh inning.

Patrick Kouns was safe on an error to open the inning and Nick Collins put down a perfect sacrifice bunt. Dustin Preston walked and Brigham Waginger beat out a bunt as he was attempting to sacrifice the runners.

But Turner got the next batter to hit into a 1-2-3 double play and end the threat.

Valley's Corey Gulley walked to begin the bottom of the seventh and Evan Yates put down a sacrifice bunt. After David Miyers hit a soft liner to second base for the second out, Turner was walked intentionally and then Sands struck out the next batter on a called strike three.

Ironton left 13

runners on base.

Ironton11001001-453

Lucasville00011100-365

Dennis Gagai, Josh Sands (7) and Dustin Preston. Brandon Turner, Ryan Dwyer (2), Brandon Turner (7) and Logan Crabtree. W-Sands (4-3) 4-K, 1-W, 1-IW, 0-H. Gagai 6-IP, 6-H, 3-R, 2-ER, 3-K, 0-W, 1-WP. L-Turner 3-R, 1-ER, 2-H, 1-K, 5-W, 1-WP. Dwyer 4.1-IP 1-R, 0-ER, 3-H, 8-K, 4-W. PB-Crabtree.

DP-Lucasville 7th. SB-Ironton: Kevin Williams, Nick Collins, Dennis Gagai. Sac-Ironton: Patrick Kouns, Nick Collins. 2B-Lucasville: Logan Crabtree, Corey Gulley. Hitting-Ironton: Josh Adkins 1-5 (rbi), Dennis Gagai 2-5, Dustin Preston 1-3, Brigham Waginger 1-3; Lucasville: David Myers 1-4, Logan Crabtree 1-4, Dustin Schneider 1-4, John Gambill 1-4, Ryan Dwyer 1-3, Corey Gulley 1-2. LOB-Ironton 13, Lucasville 7.

Records: Ironton 14-9, Lucasville Valley 20-4.