HUBER HEIGHTS - Delphos Jefferson's baseball team has produced a lot of runs this spring.

In Thursday's Division IV regional semifinal at Wayne High School, the Wildcats produced just enough offense to claim a 3-2 win over Sidney Lehman Catholic.

With the victory, Delphos Jefferson (19-5) will face Reading at 5 p.m. today for the regional championship. Reading (23-3) defeated Cincinnati Christian 6-4 in the first regional semifinal on Thursday.

Two home runs by Jefferson proved to be enough support for pitcher Craig Carder as the junior right-hander worked the full seven innings for the win.

Sean Fisher's two-run bomb in the first inning and a solo homer by Aaron Schuerman in the sixth helped propel the Wildcats to its second consecutive shot at the regional title.

Last season, Delphos Jefferson lost 7-6 to Fort Loramie in the regional final at Huber Heights.

Jefferson coach Troy Montenery said his team's goals all season was to get back to the regional championship game.

"After that tough loss last year, we had our minds set on getting back here," Montenery said. "To come back (to regional championship game) with the same team ... it's great."

Jefferson had a 3-1 lead, heading into the top of the seventh.

Carder struck out the first two Lehman Catholic batters to start the seventh. The next batter, Kaleb Goins, followed with a solo blast over the left field fence, cutting the lead to one.

But Carder struck out Nick Pulfer to close out the game for the Wildcats.

Montenery said he wasn't going to let the game get out of hand, but at the same time, wanted to give Carder an opportunity to finish the game.

"We had it penciled in that if it got to the No. 4 hitter (Barton) that he would not pitch to him," Montenery said. "Craig did a nice job of getting out of it. With him pitching a complete game, it gives our other arms some rest for tomorrow."

Carder threw a total of 120 pitches. He scattered six hits, while striking out 10 and walking three.

Kameron Barton went the distance for Lehman Catholic. Barton yielded five hits, while striking out five and walking two.

Carder worked himself out of jams on two different occasions.

In the second inning, Lehman Catholic had the bases loaded. Carder got out of the jam by striking out the leadoff batter to end the threat.

The Cavaliers left two baserunners stranded in the fifth. After giving up two hits, Carder once again worked his way out of trouble.

Carder said he was determined to finish the game.

"I knew I had to bear down and get them out," Carder said. "I knew I had my defense behind me. It's says a lot to be able to win a close game like this."