The Warsaw Senior Little League team celebrates after defeating Bedford, 4-1, Wednesday night at the Indiana State baseball tournament. (Photos provided)

WABASH – After rolling past Franklin in its first game at the Indiana State little league tournament, things got a lot more interesting for Warsaw Wednesday night.

Collin Marshall reacts after connecting for a three-run double in the eighth inning.

In the second of three pool play games, Warsaw’s Senior Little League team needed an extra-inning rally to defeat Bedford, 4-1, in eight innings in the baseball game held at the Wabash city park.

Collin Marshall was the offensive hero Wednesday, cracking a bases-clearing double in the top of the eighth inning to break the 1-1 tie. Bedford had loaded the bases ahead of Marshall hoping to turn a double play after Warsaw put its first two runners on base. Marshall then crushed a pitch deep into left field as Warsaw grabbed the lead.

Warsaw had just six hits, two apiece from Tommy Hickerson and Blake Foreman while Bryce Senisbaugh added the other knock.

What worked for Warsaw was clutch pitching. Braxton Tennant worked five strong innings, allowing just one run and fanning six while Justin Kerschner earned the win, working the final three innings and slamming the door.

Warsaw pitcher Justin Kerschner earned the win with three scoreless innings of relief.

“I’m so proud of these boys, they played hard and stayed focused the whole game,” said Warsaw head coach Jeff Fitzgerald. “Now looking to our next game tomorrow against the hometown team of Wabash.”

Warsaw moves to 2-0 overall in the pool after the Franklin and Bedford wins and would guarantee itself a spot in the semi-finals with a win over Wabash. The top two teams in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ pools – to which Warsaw is in the ‘B’ pool – will reach the semis, which take place Friday. The semi-final winners play Saturday for the state championship.

Warsaw and Wabash will face off at Wabash High School at 8 p.m. Thursday, the final game of the night.