LIMA (WLIO) — Defiance is one win away from a district title after a fast start powered the Bulldogs past Ashland in Thursday’s district semifinal matchup.

Defiance defeated Ashland 8-3 to advance to next week’s district championship game against Bowling Green at Oak Harbor.

The Bulldogs wasted no time taking control in the opening inning. Jaren Honsberger delivered an RBI single up the middle to bring home Colt Ward and put Defiance on the board first.

The offense kept rolling moments later. A hit batter with the bases loaded, followed by a walk and another hit batter, forced in three straight runs as the Bulldogs opened up a 4-0 advantage.

Ward later capped the big inning by putting the ball in play to drive home Grady Crist, extending the lead to 6-0 after one inning.

Defiance added two more runs in the second inning, including one driven in by Drew Allegretti.

On the mound, Ike Webb turned in a complete-game performance, striking out seven batters to help send the Bulldogs to the district finals.

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