Three innings of fantastic relief for senior Matt Bleeke were exactly what the Bellmont Braves needed Friday night to withstand the K-fest from South Adams starter Derek Weaver (9 K in five innings) as the visitors won 8-5.
Bleeke allowed just one hit and one walk, while striking out six, in relief of Layne LeMaster, who struck out seven across four innings.
Derek Weaver started the game for the Stars, striking out a game-high nine in five innings of work.
Jax Wanner got the scoring started for the Starfires in the third inning with an RBI single, but Bellmont answered back with five runs in the next half inning, with the big hit coming from Daniel Selking to make it 5-1.
South Adams made a swift reply with three runs in the bottom of the fourth, using the bunt and good base running to cut the Bellmont lead to 5-4.
After Bleeke shut down the Stars in the bottom of the fifth, he doubled home Ben Mills to make it 7-4. His courtesy runner, Keaton Wilder, then scored on a Beau Baker double to make it 8-4.
Mills finished the night 3-for-3 with a pair of runs scored and two batted in. Isaac Baker, Jack Schultz and Daniel Selking each had two hits for the Braves, as well.
Derek McKean and Jax Wanner each had a pair of hits for the Starfires in the loss.
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