By Ken Jackson

Sports Writer

Three county baseball teams advanced from the first round of the district tournament.

Host Liberty notched its first win over Osceola, 5-2, in Monday’s 5A District 5 tournament quarterfinal.

The Chargers (15-8) made it to Wednesday night’s district semifinal thanks to hurlers Johnny Maslanka and Brent Rhodes, who combined to hold the Kowboys (16-9) to four hits.

Landin Diaz led off three innings with hits and scored each time, including when Jared Murphy and Maslanka hit back-to-back doubles in the third inning to give Liberty the lead for good after falling behind 2-1.

“A great win for the kids and this program,” LHS Coach Scott Birchler said. “To get our first win against (OHS) shows the progress this program is making.

Liberty played top-seeded and nationally-ranked Winter Haven in Wednesday’s semifinal. The winner earned a place in tonight’s championship game at 7 p.m.

In the 4A District 6 tournament at Harmony, St. Cloud and the host Longhorns survived to Wednesday’s semifinals — literally, in the Bulldogs’ case.

In Tuesday’s quarterfinals, pushed back a day because weekend downpours made the field unplayable on Monday, No. 3 seed St. Cloud (6-15) needed nine innings to defeat No.6 Oak Ridge, 3-2.

Dylan Myers’ RBI double down the right field line drove in Alessio Pena for the winning run. Pitcher Danny Carrabello threw a gutsy complete game on the mound.

“We pulled one out, we just didn’t hit,” Bulldogs Coach Jim Moran said. “We left a ton of guys on.

In Tuesday’s other quarterfinal, Harmony (16-9) struck early and downed Celebration, 10-0, in six innings. Matt Storm’s two-run home run, one of three hits, and Mikel Hall’s two-run single in the first inning started the onslaught. Pitcher Austin Paroz handcuffed the Storm, striking out eight.

St. Cloud played Tavares and Harmony played No. 1 seed Eustis Wednesday. Those winners meet in Friday’s 7 p.m. championship.

In the 6A District 6 tournament at Vero Beach, Gateway (13-12) made an early exit, losing to Treasure Coast, 6-5, on Tuesday.

In flag football, Harmony earned the right to defend its District 8 title against Dr. Phillips Wednesday. Harmony (10-1) shut down Osceola (8-3), 20-0, in Tuesday’s semifinal thanks to Kaylee Horn’s touchdown passes to Jordan Ashcraft, Leah Smith and Payton Leffew. Alyssa Miceli added an interception.

Dr. Phillips beat Freedom 19-0 on Tuesday and is 13-0.

In softball, Harmony (13-10) lost at Dunnellon, 5-1, in the regional quarterfinal round.

The Tigers, 27-1, are the defending Class 4A state champs. They scored three times in the first inning.