Hays defeated Dodge City on Friday morning 8-2 in a Class A American Legion zone championship game for the right to advance to the state tournament.

After Dodge City eliminated Larned 15-5 on Thursday evening, the Rangers surprised host Hays 5-0 at Larks Park later that night, forcing a winner-takes-all matchup between the Rangers and Hays.

The Great Bend Braves were eliminated during Wednesday's opening round.