PORTSMOUTH — Pitching and defense are the main keys to winning, but big hits have their place on the key ring.

Kylie Summers pitched a four-hitter and the defense didn’t make an error as Ironton beat the Portsmouth Lady Trojans 6-2 on Tuesday, but Janie Morris had the key hit.

The Lady Fighting Tigers led 3-2 after three innings when Timmaya Taylor reached on an error. Morris followed with a long two-run homer over the centerfield fence to open up some breathing room.

“That was a big hit for us,” Ironton coach Missy Fields said of Morris’ home run.

Summers had five strikeouts and three walks as Ironton picked up the Southeastern Ohio Athletic League win.

“The last two nights our defense has played very well,” said Fields. “Kylie is getting stronger with each game and our defense is gaining confidence to make the plays behind her.”

Ironton had nine hits with Nikki Elswick and Brea Tackett each going 2-4 with a double. Taylor Lilly was 2-3 while Emily Lilly and Jessica Brown each had a hit.

“Freshman Taylor Lilly has worked her way into the starting lineup as of late. She is learning the game quickly and doing real well at the plated,” said Fields.

Ironton hosts Chillicothe Wednesday for Senior Night in game to help determine second place in the SEOAL South Division and Day of Champions.

Ironton 012 200 1 = 6 9 0

Portsmouth 011 000 0 = 2 4 6

Kylie Summers and Emily Lilly. Drake, Foster (3) and Foster, Drake (3). W-Summers (5-K, 3-BB). L-Drake (1-K, 4-BB). Foster 5-K, 2-BB. 2B-Ironton: Nikki Elswick, Brea Tackett. HR-Ironton: Janie Morris. Hitting-Ironton: Janie Morris 1-3 2-rbi, Emily Lilly 1-4, Nikki Elswick 2-4, Jessica Brown 1-4, Brea Tackett 2-4, Taylor Lilly 2-3; Portsmouth: Foster 1-3, Simpson 1-3, Cooper 2-3.