CADIZ — Harrison Central knocked off Martins Ferry 12-6 Saturday afternoon for the Buckeye 8 softball championship.

The Huskies, playing on their home field, scored four times in the top of the first inning and led 5-2 after two. They built their lead to 7-2 in the top of the fourth before the Purple Riders cut the deficit to 7-6 with two runs in the fourth and a pair in the fifth. However, Harrison Central pulled away with one in the sixth and sealed the deal with four in the seventh.

Bailey Smith paced the Huskies’ 15-hit attack with two singles and a pair of doubles that produced three runs. Kara Blackburn drove in two with a trio of singles and Olivia Tonkovich singled twice to knock in two. Jaylin Ward had an RBI triple.

Mikayla Pelegreeen earned the win in relief of Emma Skinner. Pelegreeen struck out six, walked a pair and surrendered eight base hits. She also singled in a run.

Giana Chirpas singled thrice for Martins Ferry and drove in a run. Gracie Lucas singled and doubled and Kendahl Brandon singled twice. Maddie Lucas tripled home two runs and Abby Snedeker had a run-scoring double.

BASEBALL

John Marshall 10, Weir 4

MOUNDSVILLE — John Marshall’s hot offense kept rolling on Saturday in a home win over the Red Riders.

Tommy Clegg got the win on the mound, pitching six innings and striking out four before handing the seventh over to Landyn Roberts, who struck out two.

John Marshall tallied five extra-base hits on Saturday– Jayden Astipalitis, Cain Martin, Mason Markonich and Jesse McDowell all hit doubles, while Landen Snyder hit a triple.

Hayden Hughes finished with three hits from the leadoff spot. Martin knocked in two RBI.