URBANA -- The Russellville Indians began their Class 2 state title defense Friday, pounding out 16 hits in a 16-5 victory against the Skyline Tigers.
Friday's win was the 300th victory for Lucas Branson as head coach of the Indians.
Russellville trailed 3-0 through four innings, but the Indians scored eight runs in the top of the fifth inning and added eight more runs in the seventh.
Bryce Bryant led the Indians with three hits and three RBI, giving Russellville the lead for good with a tiebreaking two-run single in the fifth.
Jake Schulte highlighted the seventh inning with a two-run double, finishing with two doubles and three RBI.
Charlie Miller had a single and a double, while Jesse Daniel, Nolan Gartner and Josiah Herman each hit two singles. Braedyn Bryant also drove in two runs.
Daniel earned the win in two innings of relief, striking out three and walking one. Daniel pitched the first three innings, also walking one and striking out three, while Miller threw the final two innings and struck out five.
Russellville (1-0) plays Monday at Eldon (0-1), which opened its season Friday with a 7-4 loss at Camdenton.