Frankfort is headed back to the Class AA state championship game.

The Falcons erased an early deficit and rode another complete-game pitching performance to a 4-1 victory over Independence in the state semifinals at Jack Cook Field.

After Lanson Orndorff tossed a complete game in the quarterfinals, Jaxon Hare followed with seven strong innings of his own. Hare allowed just three hits, struck out five, and retired the first batter of every inning in a masterful 103-pitch effort.

Independence grabbed an early lead in the third inning, but Frankfort quickly answered with an RBI single from Jesus Perdew before taking control with a sacrifice fly from Hare and an RBI single by Gunnar Bradshaw in the fifth.

Eight of nine Falcons recorded hits, with Blake Jacobs leading the offense with a pair of hits.

Frankfort advances to Saturday's Class AA state championship game, where the Falcons will face Logan with ace Lanson Orndorff available on full rest.