Bourbannis, Ill. ? Lawrence’s Renegades continued to roll through the loser’s bracket of the USSSA World Series on Thursday, winning twice to reach today’s national semifinal.

With a win against Ontario, Canada, at 10 this morning, the Renegades would play the Team Connecticut Bombers for the national championship.

Lawrence outlasted the North Oakland (Mich.) Reds, 15-13, Thursday in an elimination game before handing the Bombers their first loss of the tournament, 5-1.

“They are without a doubt one of the best teams I’ve ever seen,” Lawrence coach Lynn Harrod said of the team from Hartford, Conn.

Working on one day of rest, John Parker (7-1) earned the win in the second game.

“John Parker was just masterful,” Harrod said. “He hit his targets against a team that was really aggressive. He didn’t strike out a lot I think he had four strikeouts but he just did what he had to do. He got ground balls and flyouts and didn’t get hit hard.”

Spence Chaney improved to 3-0 with a win in relief of Ryne Jackson in the opener.

Ryan Engel was 4-for-5 with three RBIs on the day for the Renegades (26-13).

“We’re pretty high. The kids are extremely excited,” Harrod said. “I think we’re tired after seven games in four days. It’s going to be an extreme situation (today). We’ve got a couple guys who will not be able to pitch. We have to get that game completed before we even think about the championship.”

Lawrence Renegades 15, North Oakland (Mich.) Reds 13

Renegades 600 035 1 15 17 3

Reds 300 421 3 13 15 4

WPSpence Chaney (3-0). LPMike Kescferorter.

Renegades highlights: Cal Heinrich 2-for-4, 2 2Bs, 2 RBIs; Ryan Engel 2-for-3, 3B, 3 RBIs; Courtney Hutchison 4-for-4, 3B, 4 RBIs; Joe Crane 2-for-3, 2 RBIs; Devon Myers 2 2Bs; Brett Urban 2B; Chaney 2B; Carl Lisher 2B; Ryne Jackson 5 1/3 innings pitched.

Lawrence Renegades 5, Team Connecticut Bombers 1

Bombers 001 000 0 1 5 3

Renegades 110 201 x 5 8 3

WPJohn Parker (7-1). LPJon Burdan.

Renegades highlights: Urban 3-for-4, 2B, 3 RBIs; Engel 2-for-2; Matt Johnson 1-for-2, 3 runs; Chaney 2B.

Record: 26-13. Next: national semifinal vs. Ontario, Canada, 10 a.m. today.