Crystal City, St. Vincent Win Baseball Titles

St. Vincent became the first school to win a state baseball championship with double digit losses, when it beat North Shelby 9-0 in the class 1A title game, and finished with a record of 16-13. That distinction lasted only a few hours, as Crystal City matched it, and surpassed it, in the 2A title game. Crystal City beat Kansas City St. Pius X 15-11 to become the first school to win a title with a losing record. The Hornets finished the year 13-14, but won their last 8 games and the state championship. St. Pius had won back to back state titles. St. Vincent and Crystal City compete in the same conference in the regular season, a league which includes many 3A and 4A teams.The 3A-4A semifinals are today. Jefferson City Helias, which has lost only twice all year, meets Festus in the first 3A semi, followed by Francis Howell Central against Carl Junction. The 4A semis are tonight, featuring Lafayette against Liberty, and DeSmet against Joplin.