LINCOLN - The Lincoln East Spartans are the 2023 Heartland Athletic Conference Champions.

The Spartans defeated Lincoln Southeast 5-3 on Wednesday night at Den Hartog Field.

Tied 3-3 heading into the bottom of the 5th inning, Mason Gains broke the tie with an RBI single, scoring Tanner Peterson. Gaines then got caught in a pickle following a pickoff move from Southeast pitcher Colton Horn. During the confusion, Jeter Worthley scored from 3rd base to give the Spartans the 5-3 lead they they would't relinquish.

Wothley led East at the plate, going 2-for-4, and scored twice. Southeast's Max Buettenback went 3-for-3 and drew a walk. The senior scored a run and drove in a run.

Watch highlights in the video above.

#10 LINCOLN SOUTHEAST (9-7) 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 - 3

#2 LINCOLN EAST (14-2) 3 0 0 0 2 0 X - 5