Casey Artigues smacked a two-run triple on a 1-2 count in the bottom of the eighth inning to help New Orleans Boosters bounce back to defeat Johnstown-2 Martella’s Pharmacy 4-2 on Friday afternoon at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point.
The three-time defending champion Boosters will make the franchise’s 31st AAABA Tournament title game appearance and seventh trip to the final in the past eight championship games.
Martella’s Pharmacy held a 2-1 lead entering the bottom of the eighth as Johnstown starter Aidan Layton lasted seven innings while giving up six hits and one run, with six strikeouts and one walk.
New Orleans’ Michael Hotard earned the mound win as the lefty allowed one hit in 2 2/3 scoreless innings. He struck out five with no walks.
Kaile Levatino recorded the final out of the game to pick up the save. Starter Tyler Velino tossed six innings, allowing five hits and two runs.
New Orleans’ Logan O’Neill went 3-for-4.
Johnstown-2 had seven hits, with Konnor Pittman and Hunter Smith each collecting two hits.
New Orleans awaits the winner of Friday night’s semifinal between Johnstown Mainline Pharmacy and Columbus TNT Knights. The title game will be played on Saturday at the Point.