Utica baseball secured their first victory of the season with a 7-6 win over Licking Heights in Licking County League play. Nate Hite's pitching prowess helped Utica escape a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the bottom of the seventh inning, clinching the hard-fought victory. The game-winning run was scored by Braxton Fisher, who singled home Gaige Spray in the top of the final inning.
In other LCL matchups, Watkins Memorial triumphed over Johnstown 6-2, with Brody Kemmerling pitching six one-hit innings. Granville dominated Northridge 11-2, fueled by A.J. Buerkel's three runs. Lakewood emerged victorious with a 3-1 win against Zanesville, courtesy of Evan Moore's two-hitter performance on the mound. Additionally, Licking Valley defeated Heath 12-2, led by Emory Whisner's stellar performance at the plate. Watkins Memorial also overcame an early deficit to beat Johnstown 8-6, highlighted by Gracie Gerhardt's grand slam. Granville secured a 15-0 victory against Northridge, with Megan Lodge leading the charge with two hits and three RBIs for the Blue Aces. Lastly, Licking Heights staged a late comeback to defeat Utica 10-6, with Lydia Rauch contributing two hits, a run, and three RBIs for the Hornets.