PORTSMOUTH - Winning the Southern Ohio Conference championship was a project that began even before this season.

Building for the past three years, the Green Bobcats finished the job Thursday as they downed the Clay Panthers 12-3 to win the SOC championship outright.

Green is now 16-0 on the season and 13-0 in the conference.

"We had a great overall team effort today and we're excited to get the win," Green coach Dave Shoupe said.

"It's great to be conference champions. Our three seniors - Adam Sparks, Travis Klaiber and Ryan Bloomfield - went through some tough years as freshmen and sophomores, but all their hard work and dedication has payed off."

Mark Castro went 2-for-5, crashed a three-run homer and drove in four runs while Sparks went 4-for-5 with two doubles and four RBI to lead a 17-hit attack for Green.

Klaiber also homered and Brad Dehart had a pair of doubles for the Bobcats.

Odie Kelly, who also had two hits, got the win as he improved his record to 5-0. He struck out nine and walked two.

"Obviously, other younger guys have made great contributions to our success, but our three seniors have been our leaders," Shoupe said.

Green hosts Portsmouth Notre Dame Friday in an SOC game.

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WP-Odie Kelly, 5-0 (9-K, 2-BB). L-Craft. 2B-Green: Brad Dehart 2, Odie Kelly, Adam Sparks 2; Clay: Craft. HR-Green: Mark Castro, Travis Klaiber. Hitting-Green: Travis Klaiber 1-4, Mark Castro 2-5 (4 RBI), Ryan Bloomfield 3-5, Adam Sparks 4-5 (4 RBI), Odie Kelly 2-5, Brad Dehart 2-4, Ryan Klaiber 2-2; Clay: Fitch 3-5, Stewart 2-4, Craft 2-4, Blanton 2-4.