Having scored no runs in a 5-0 loss to Richland Saturday, West Lauderdale faced Richland in the third of a best-of-three postseason matchup Monday with its season on the line.

In the fourth inning, the Knight bats woke up, as West Lauderdale turned a slim 3-2 lead into a 13-2 advantage with a 10-run frame. They then held Richland to no runs in the top of the fifth, triggering the 10-runs-after-five mercy rule.

With the win, the Knights advanced to the third round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs.

John Ross Briggs went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for the Knights, while Jake Mason was a perfect 2-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run. Tyler Lantz went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, and Jeremy Davis was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

Lantz was the winning pitcher, tossing four innings and giving up two runs — none earned — on one hit with five strikeouts and two walks. Ben Ethridge pitched a perfect top of the fifth to end the game, striking out one Richland batter.

West Lauderdale (27-2) will play East Central in a best-of-three, third-round series beginning Friday.