Pompton Lakes reached a state final in baseball last year and has the talent to win it this season. But to a man, the Cardinals say the Passaic County championship is their priority in 2013.

Behind a strong pitching effort by Kevin Magee, Pompton Lakes took a big step toward that goal with a 7-3 triumph over Wayne Valley in the county semifinals at Passaic Tech. Magee struck out 12 and allowed just four hits in a complete game effort.

Third-seeded Pompton Lakes got home runs from Sean Lindberg and Jose Arroyo in the fifth inning after Wayne Valley had pulled within 4-3 in the previous frame. Lindberg hit a solo shot and Arroyo followed three batters later with a two-run blast.

Arroyo had three RBI to lead the Cardinals. Lindberg and Dan Foote had two hits apiece as Pompton Lakes improved to 21-4. The Cardinals will meet Lakeland in the county final on Wednesday, but first has a state sectional semifinal Tuesday against Emerson at home.

Eric Van Assen ripped a two-run homer for second-seeded Wayne Valley and Dan Wronka had an RBI double. The Indians fall to 21-6 but also remain alive in the state tournament. Wayne Valley will host Memorial of West New York in the North 1, Group IV sectional semifinals on Tuesday.

For sports video highlights of this Passaic County baseball semifinal game, click play in the box at left.