PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Trojans must be wondering if Ironton can pitch somebody else.

Howie Lucas turned in his second stellar pitching performance against Portsmouth as the Ironton Fighting Tigers beat the Trojans by an identical 3-1 score Wednesday in a Southeastern Ohio Athletic League game.

Ironton needed Lucas’ effort as he matched pitches with Portsmouth Josh Myers. Lucas pitched a three-hitter while Myers allowed only four hits.

Lucas baffled the Portsmouth hitters as he struck out 15. He walked five and hit a batter. Myers fanned six and issued three walks.

Portsmouth (1-8, 1-4) got its only run in the first inning as Lucas battled to get into a good rhythm.

T.J. Arrowood walked and Myers had a run-scoring double. Jake Stevens singled and Brennan Howard walked to load the bases, but Lucas struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

The score remained that way until Ironton scored all its runs in the fifth inning.

Taylor Barker opened the inning with a double and pinch-runner Anthony Harper went to third on a wild pitch. Johnathon Schweickart then singled to drive in the tying run.

Josh Pancake walked and the runners pulled off a double steal. The next two batters were retired, but Geoff White clutched up with a two-run double to give Ironton a 3-1 lead.

Ironton (4-4, 2-2) plays at Jackson on Thursday.

Ironton 000 030 0 = 3 4 1

Portsmouth 100 000 0 = 1 3 1

Howie Lucas and Geoff White. Josh Myers and Brennan Howard. W-Lucas (15-K, 5-BB, 1-ER, 1-HBP). L-Myers (6-K, 3-BB, 3-ER, 1-WP). 2B-Ironton: Taylor Barker, Geoff White; Portsmouth: Josh Myers. SB-Ironton: Johnathon Schweickart, Josh Pancake. Sac-Portsmouth: Bray. Hitting-Ironton: Josh Pancake 1-1 3-BB, Geoff White 1-2 2-rbi, Taylor Barker 1-3, Johnathon Schweickart 1-3; Portsmouth: Alex Coakley 1-3, Josh Myers 1-4, Jake Stevens 1-4.