The Vicksburg Venom scored six runs in the second inning to take a big lead, then held off a late charge by Monticello, Ark., to win 6-2 Saturday night and advance to the championship round of the Cal Ripken 9-year-olds’ Southwest Regional in Crossett, Ark.

The Venom needed to win two games Saturday to advance, and did just that. In the morning, they beat Eagle Pass, Texas, 13-6. The Venom had 14 hits – including three each by Tyler Smith, John Austin Burris and Lee Simpson.

In the nightcap against Monticello, Brooks Boolos had a two-run double to key the early six-run rally. He also pitched the final three innings, saving the game for winner Tyler Smith.

With the two wins, the Venom finished 2-1 in pool play. The top two teams in each four-team pool advance to the single-elimination championship round, which starts today.

The Venom will play today at 1 p.m. against the Little Rock Junior Deputies.