By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter

Conner senior pitcher Aaron Wichmann allowed only three hits to carry his team to a 2-0 win over Beechwood in the opening game of the 9th Region baseball tournament on Monday at Thomas More Stadium in Florence.

Wichmann’s mastery on the mound ended Beechwood’s 12-game win streak in the last four region tournaments that were won by the Tigers. The last time Conner won  a region title was 2014.

The Cougars (16-23), who lost the last six games on their regular season schedule, will play Dixie Heights (25-14) in a region semifinal game at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Dixie Heights knocked off Newport Central Catholic, 12-2, in five innings in the region tournament’s second game on Monday. The Colonels had 18 hits with senior Luke Abeling going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.

In the opening round of the 8th Region baseball tournament on Monday, Simon Kenton defeated Shelby County, 3-0, and Walton-Verona lost to South Oldham, 7-3.

Simon Kenton will take on Henry County in a semifinal game at 6 p.m. Thursday at the University of Louisville.

The 10th Region baseball tournament had to reschedule Monday’s first-round games at Bourbon County due to poor field conditions caused by heavy rain. Scott will play George Rogers Clark at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Campbell County will play Nicholas County at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Baseball region tournament schedules

9th REGION AT THOMAS MORE STADIUM, FLORENCE
Wednesday
Conner (16-23) vs. Dixie Heights (25-14), 5 p.m.
Covington Catholic (31-5) vs. Ryle (29-9), 8 p.m.
Thursday
Championship game, 7 p.m.

10th REGION AT BOURBON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Tuesday
Scott (17-18) vs. George Rogers Clark (26-11), 5:30 p.m.
Harrison County (23-7) vs. Mason County (17-15), 8 p.m.
Wednesday
Bracken County (17-8) vs. Bourbon County (20-8), 5:30 p.m.
Campbell County (20-12) vs. Nicholas County (16-16), 8 p.m.
Thursday
Semifinal games, 1:30 and 4 p.m.
Friday
Championship game, 6 p.m.

8th REGION AT UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
Thursday 
Simon Kenton (25-13) vs. Henry County (13-17), 6 p.m.
South Oldham (20-13) vs. Woodford County (25-8), 8 p.m.
Saturday 
Championship game, 1 p.m.

Softball region tournament schedules

9th REGION AT THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY
Wednesday 
Championship game: Notre Dame (19-7) vs. Highlands (26-12), 5:30 p.m.

10th REGION AT SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL
Tuesday
Campbell County (16-9) vs. Harrison County (33-6), 5 p.m.
Montgomery County (29-6) vs. Mason County (23-12), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday
Championship game, 6 p.m.