Three-time all-state senior Kenzie Thorp is on a tear, with seven hits -- five for extra bases -- and five RBIs in the Chiefs' two district wins. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

The second-ranked Chiefs posted their second one-hit shutout in a row during Tuesday's 8-0 victory over Bunceton in the semifinal round of the Class 1, District 15 Tournament at Concordia. Juniors Taylor Wesley and Logan Kirchhoff combined for Santa Fe's fifth whitewash of the season, but the offense was held under 11 runs for only the second time in the last nine games.

Still, the outcome was never in doubt, although the Chiefs weren't as efficient in run production as in past games. They scored twice in the first inning, even after sophomore Hunter Rolf was picked off second base following a one-out double. Junior Taylor Wesley and senior Kenzie Thorp stroked back-to-back doubles, with senior Logan Wesley's single bringing in the second run.

Taylor Wesley began a two-run third-inning surge with a one-out single. Two passed balls and a Thorp single brought him in. Thorp came around on a bunt, passed ball and error on sophomore Matt Lovercamp's two-out grounder.

The fourth inning is when Santa Fe did the most damage, with four runs, and it could have been worse. Kirchhoff and juniors Max Capps and Ben Catlett singled, two runs crossing. Another came in on Rolf's double.

Logan Wesley looped an RBI double into the short outfield, putting two runners in scoring position with one out. A walk to Lovercamp loaded the bases, but senior Brandon Schmidt hit a one-hopper back to the mound, where senior Blake Shrout turned it into a 1-2-3 double play to end the inning.

Santa Fe had another opportunity go by the wayside in the fifth. Kirchhoff singled, swiped second base, and went to third on an error. However, Capps hit a liner which Shrout snagged, his throw to third catching Kirchhoff before he could return to the bag for another twin killing.

Even for all the chances upon which the Chiefs (15-0) didn't capitalize, Bunceton wasn't able to mount a charge. Although Taylor Wesley -- who has been used sparingly after hurting his shoulder -- walked seven batters, he didn't yield a hit until Shrout singled to lead off the sixth. Junior Will Irvin reached on a one-out error, but the Dragons (6-6-1) couldn't get a runner past second base.

Kirchhoff retired the side in order in the seventh, striking out two batters.

Thorp had another strong game at the plate, going four for four with two doubles, a triple and two runs batted in. He is seven for eight over the tournament's two games.

With Pilot Grove improving to 14-1 with a 7-4 victory over Wentworth Military Academy, the stage is set for a rematch in Thursday's finals -- won by the Chiefs last year, 7-1, on the way to their first appearance in the MSHSAA Championships.