ELIDA, Ohio (WLIO) — Liberty-Benton is headed to the state tournament for the first time in program history after a 3-1 victory over Amanda-Clearcreek in the Division Five regional final.

The Eagles got on the board first in the third inning when Reid Irwin laid down a bunt and reached safely on an errant throw. The miscue allowed Connor Barbara to score, giving Liberty-Benton an early 1-0 lead.

Amanda-Clearcreek eventually evened the game at 1-1, but Liberty-Benton answered in the sixth. Grady Latta reached on a ground ball to short that turned into a misplay, and Taden Troyer hustled around the bases to score, putting the Eagles back in front 2-1.

In the top of the seventh, Isaac Schworm delivered the biggest hit of the night, driving a ball into the gap in left-center for a two-run ground-rule double. Zach Elchert crossed the plate on the play, extending the lead to 3-1.

From there, Kooper Leatherman took over on the mound and closed the door. The Eagles’ ace struck out two batters in the bottom of the seventh before the game came down to the final out.

With the game-winning run at the plate, Leatherman induced a ground ball to Zach Elchert, who stepped on the bag to end it and secure the regional championship.

Liberty-Benton wins 3-1 and punches its ticket to state for the first time ever.

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