The Johnson County American Legion baseball team defeated Des Moines 22-13 on Monday to advance to the championship of the Area Tournament.

Johnson County will play at 5 p.m. today at West High against the winner of Monday night's late Des Moines vs. Benton County game. Johnson County needs to win one game for the championship; its opponent will have to win two.

The tournament winner will advance to the state tournament Friday in Ottumwa.

Jack Butler picked up the victory after pitching the last 4 2/3 innings, striking out one and walking none while allowing two runs.

Cody Smith and Wes Freie hit three-run homers for Johnson County, and Patrick Reilly and Layne Swartzentru-ber hit two-run homers.

Smith scored three runs.

Jonathan Gilmore had two hits and two runs, Jason Ogden batted 3-for-6 with two RBIs, and Nick Muhlenbruch was 3-for-6 with three RBIs.