The Helias Crusaders started with little innings Tuesday. Then they closed with two crooked numbers.
The Crusaders scored single runs in the first four innings on their way to a 9-0 win against the Marshall Owls at the American Legion Post 5 Sports Complex.
"We stressed early and often against these guys," Helias coach Chris Wyrick said. "They've got some guys that can swing the bat, we knew it was important to get on top."
The Crusaders and Owls wrote some binary code in the first four innings, with Helias providing the 1s and Marshall putting up the 0s.
In the first, Zach Paschal singled home Zach Woehr for the Crusaders.
In the second, courtesy runner Brandon Ferguson scored on a single by Woehr. Ferguson was running for Austin Fennewald, who singled with one out.
In the third, Alex Buschjost led off with a double and later came home on a sacrifice fly by Dylan Hood.
In the fourth, Woehr drew a one-out walk, stole second and scored on a single by Landon Harrison.
The 4-0 lead could have been larger as the Crusaders stranded seven runners in the four innings.
"We stranded a few guys, you'd like to get those guys in, but we at least put something on the board early," Wyrick said.
Helias scored two runs in the fifth. Fennewald's single brought home Jason Binkley, who was running for Dylan Hood after he singled to start the inning. Parker Schnieders later scored on a passed ball on a third-strike to Woehr.
That was Helias' lone strikeout Tuesday.
"That was good," Wyrick said. "We did a decent job of adjusting to what Marshall's pitcher was doing to us, we did a good job of laying off his curve and we could wait for his fastball."
Helias plated three runs in the sixth on RBI by Zach Davidson and Woehr, who finished with three of Helias' 11 hits in the game.
Connor McKenna went the distance to get the win for the Crusaders. He tossed a four-hitter, allowing just one walk while striking out four.
"Connor pitched really well, if we can get that kind of effort from him every time he's out there, I really like our chances to win the game," Wyrick said.
Marshall, which had an eight-game winning streak snapped, is now 12-3.
Helias (9-4) is back in action Thursday against Rock Bridge (11-9) at the Legion Complex.
"I know it will be a highly contested game," Wyrick said. "It will come down to who can make the most plays."
The varsity game is slated for a 5 p.m. start.