In what will go down as a “classic pitchers’ duel,” the district baseball game between the Seneca Indians and McDonald County Mustangs was decided by a triple off the left field wall in the sixth inning, giving the Indians the 2-0 victory Monday in the Class 3 District 12 Tournament at Carl Lewton Stadium.

The win puts Seneca in the semifinals of the district tournament today in Carthage against second-seeded Carl Junction, which defeated Mount Vernon 5-0 Monday at a game played in Webb City.

Seneca’s Patrick Bennett of Seneca and Bo Bergen of McDonald County hooked up in a pitchers’ duel which resulted in nine hits — six for Seneca and three for McDonald County. Patrick struck out 15 Mustangs and Bergen registered nine strikeouts.

“I guarantee Bo Bergen is the best 4-3 pitcher in the state,” said McDonald County head coach Lee Smith. “This was a classic matchup between Bo and Patrick. It was a nice way to end the season, if you didn’t care who won the game.”

Seneca scored its two runs in the bottom of the sixth with one out. Maverick Sonis got on first after he tried to bunt Matt Wilkes over to second. But he was forced out at second. Bennet then became not only the hero on the mound but at the plate as he tripled to left field, the ball bouncing off the all. Bennett scored on a squeeze bunt by Cody Badgwell.

McDonald County threatened in the seventh with two outs. Kaylub Divine walked to first and advance to third on a single and an error by Sy Morris. But Tyler Shaver struck out ended the contest.

“I thought we executed well, especially in the sixth inning when we scored,” said Seneca coach Chris Yust. “Bergen pitched a great game and kept us uncomfortable at the plate.”