NEW ORLEANS — The Vidalia 19U Purple Sox all-stars advanced to their state championship game to stay undefeated in the tournament after a win Monday over Deridder, 5-1.

Vidalia had its best hitting day yet in the tournament as it recorded nine in the win. Lee Lancaster was 3-for-4, while Drake Smith ended 2-for-4.

Josh Day, Trenton Miller, Cam Rodgers and Jacob McDaniel each had one hit.

“It’s a relief. They just do what they do,” Vidalia coach Greg Naquin said.

Josh Day earned the win on the mound, pitching all seven innings and recording seven strikeouts.

The Purple Sox advanced in the winner’s bracket after a shutout win over JPRD East Sunday, 4-0.

Josh’s brother, Christian Day, was credited with the win after he pitched a no-hitter and recorded 13 strikeouts.

“(Josh Day) was dealing just like his brother,” Naquin said. “I think he did a fine job.”

Behind strong pitching, Naquin said the Purple Sox benefited greatly from strong defense.

“We turned a few double plays,” he said. “They were really fighting today, doing what they do.”

Moving forward to today’s title game, Naquin said his team should have no problem repeating as state champions of they stick to what they know.

“Everybody contributing one way or another. It’s fun to watch,” he said. “We couldn’t get (to the title) without this one. I just tell them to do what you have been doing, because they know how to play baseball.”

Today’s championship game will be at 5:30 p.m.

Josh Day, Rodgers, Lancaster, Jace Watts and Darian Jones each had one hit in the win Sunday.

17U Purple Sox eliminated

NEW ORLEANS — The Vidalia 17U Purple Sox all-stars were eliminated from their state tournament Sunday with a loss to Oakdale, 9-1.

Trelon Jones was the losing pitcher, while Devin Winchester and Cody Brown also pitched in the loss.