Knepper, Leatherman lead LB to first district title since '97

DEFIANCE – Jackson Knepper allowed just five hits and one run over seven solid innings and Kooper Leatherman doubled and drove in three runs in Liberty-Benton's 5-1 win over Swanton on Saturday in a Division V district championship game at Defiance. Liberty-Benton scored one run in the first and another four in the second. Knepper made it the runs hold up.Knepper walked three and struck out four in a complete game victory. Reid Irwin and Zach Elchert were both 2-for-3 with a pair of base hits each. For Swanton, Luke Marlow doubled and scored the Bulldogs only run. Drew Koder added a pair of singles. Carson Bond threw a complete game for the Bulldogs, giving up four earned runs and striking out five. Swanton's defense committed three errors. Liberty-Benton's fifth straight win ups the Eagles record to 20-5 and earns them a spot in the Division V regional tournament at Elida. This is the Eagles third district title in program history, and their first since 1997. L-B will face Fairview Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Ed Sandy Field. Coldwater and Amanda Clearcreek will square off in the regional opener, with Wednesday's winners returning Thursday for the regional final.Swanton ended its season at 17-11. Liberty-Benton 140 000 0 -- 5 6 0 Swanton 100 000 0 -- 1 5 3 WP -- Knepper. LP -- Bond. TOP HITTERS: (L-B) Leatherman 2B, 3-RBI; Z. Elchert 2-1B, R, RBI; Irwin 2-1B. (SWAN) Marlow 2B, R; Koder 2-1B.