Bellefontaine (4-15, 3-10) built an early cushion and held off a late push from London (9-8, 6-7) to secure an 8-6 victory Monday in Central Buckeye Conference softball action.

Bellefontaine scored in four different innings and collected eight runs on seven hits, while London totaled six runs on nine hits but left runners on base throughout the afternoon.

Joy Fogan had a night getting 5 strikeouts on the mound and going 3-3 at the plate with a pair of homeruns and 5 RBIs. Fogan expanded her school record for home runs in a season to 10 on the year, highlighting an amazing individual season for the young slugger.

After both teams were held scoreless in the first inning, Bellefontaine opened the scoring with a single run in the second before erupting for three runs in the third to take a 4-2 lead. London responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third, but Bellefontaine answered again with two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth to stretch the margin to 7-4.

The Chief’s offensive effort was well-rounded as Alayna Boyd added a hit and drove in a run, while Ayla Dolan and Cameo Green both chipped in with RBI hits. Bellefontaine’s offense was helped by patience at the plate, drawing four walks and capitalizing on London miscues to manufacture key runs.

London mounted a late rally, scoring two runs over the final two innings to cut into the deficit. Lylah Bell had a strong day for the Red Raiders, going 2-for-2 with two runs scored and a run batted in. Sam Webb added a pair of hits, while Avery Kauff drove in two runs as part of London’s comeback attempt.

In the circle, Fogan went the distance for Bellefontaine, allowing nine hits and six runs while striking out five. The right-hander worked out of multiple jams and ensured that her team walked away victorious.

London starter Bella Peterman took the loss, surrendering eight runs, four being earned, on seven hits while striking out 11. Despite the strikeouts, Bellefontaine’s timely hitting proved to be the difference.

Bellefontaine also played solid defense behind Fogan, committing two errors but turning several key outs that halted London rallies. The Chieftains finished with an 8-7 advantage in hits and improved their conference record with the win.

London threatened in the seventh inning but could not deliver the tying hit, as Bellefontaine closed out the game to earn the hard-fought road victory.

The Chiefs will be back in action on Wednesday for senior night.  Please join as they celebrate Ava Dolan, Maci Flesher, Chloe Heminger, Brilee Joseph, and Addison Wical starting at 5:00 PM.