DIXFIELD — An adjustment was made during pregame warm-ups and Dirigo certainly came alive offensively in a Class C semifinal baseball game Saturday afternoon at drizzling Harlow Park.

The Cougars started fast and proceeded to get stronger, as evidenced by every batter in the order scoring during a 10-run third inning en route to a convincing 15-1 win against No.6 Waynflete. The game was shortened to four-and-one- half innings because of the mercy rule.

Ben Holmes supplied three hits, two runs scored and four RBI. Spencer Ross had two hits, including a two-run double. Arik Fenstermacher and Hunter Ross each scored three times and Justin Conant had two hits and an RBI.

“There was a lot on the line,” said Fenstermacher, who pitched a complete game four-hitter. “This is a playoff game, so if you don’t win, you are done. (Waynflete) was a lower seed but we couldn’t afford to take anything for granted.”

No.2 Dirigo (17-2) advances to the regional finals to face St. Dom’s for the second straight year on Wednesday afternoon at Saint Josephs College. The Cougars beat the Saints last year and then went on to win the 2010 state championship.

In the third, Jake Dowland drew a leadoff walk and scored on Hunter Ross’ RBI single. Ross scored twice during in the inning that had 16 Cougar batters, required three Flyer pitchers and 45 minutes to complete. The key blows were a Holmes two-run double and a Spencer Ross two-RBI single.

“Yes, that was different,” Fenstermacher said, referring to the long delay. “But it was a good thing for us and as things went along I threw a little on the side.”

Waynflete had tied the game at 1-1 in the second inning on an RBI-single by Sam Murphy. It proved to be the beginning of the end for the Flyers.

Dirigo had set the tone early by getting on base and being aggressive against Waynflete starter Joey Schnier. Fenstermacher tripled and Holmes hit an RBI single, although the Cougars left the bases loaded.

“We definitely didn’t want another close game,” Holmes said, referring to a 6-5 win against Winthrop in the quarterfinals. “Jake (Dowland’s) big hit ended that one. Today, coach (Ryan Palmer) noticed how (Schnier) was throwing during warm-ups, so we stayed back in the box and waited.”

Dirigo opened up by scoring four runs, all with two out in the bottom of the second inning. Hunter Ross hit a lead off single and T.J. Frost walked, but the Flyers created a double play. Caleb Turner reached on an error, with Ross scoring. Fenstermacher singled in a run and started a double steal, with Turner scoring. Holmes hit an RBI single and scored when Conant’ drive was misplayed.

Dirigo also aided its cause by flashing leather on defensive plays. Turner made a diving stab at second base and Cody St. Germain scooped a low throw out of the dirt at first base.

“How often does something like this happen?” Palmer said. “It was a semifinal game, but all of our 17 players were used in the game. That was a highlight for me.”