ST. GEORGE — In a game that appeared never to be in doubt, Wayne did what it was expected to do and comfortably advanced to the 1A state championship game with an 8-4 victory over West Ridge Academy Friday afternoon at Bruce Hurst Stadium.

Ahead 8-1 after three innings, the Wayne Badgers relieved winning pitcher Jordan Ellett with a couple of pitchers, all of whom have innings left for the championship game Saturday.

West Ridge Fighting Eagles pitcher Brad Davis, recovering from a recent shoulder injury, was replaced midgame by James Bright, who held Wayne scoreless the rest of the way. Wayne's head coach Scott Ellett said he was glad to have enough players to do what needed to be done.

"When a couple of players have an off day, it's nice to have others step up," he said.

Coach Ellett praised the play of center fielder Trevor Taylor. "He has a great attitude and was great defensively."

Taylor doubled in Wayne's first run and added a two-run triple in the second.

Wayne tallied eight runs on eight hits and three errors. West Ridge finished with four runs, five hits and five errors.