COAL GROVE — It takes a thief.

The Coal Grove Hornets stole nine bases — three by Justin Hern — as they beat the River Valley Raiders 9-4 Monday in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

“When we get on base, we’re going to get the runners over,” said Hornets’ coach Dean Mader. “(Oakie) Haynes stole home to give us the lead. We’ve got some speed this year and we’re going to use it.”

The Hornets jumped out to a 3-0 led in the first inning.

The rally started on walks to Hern and Jake Murphy, two stolen bases by Hern, and a passed ball for a run. Wayne Sparks reached on an error for the second run and Frank Delawder hit a sacrifice fly.

River Valley took a 4-3 lead in the top of the fourth inning on three walks including one to force in a run. Bradley Young had an RBI singled and Austin Smith capped the rally with a 2-run single.

Coal Grove (4-5, 3-1) took the lead for good with four runs in the fifth inning.

Delawder singled, Haynes beat out an infield hit and they pulled off a double steal. A throwing error allowed Delawder to score the tying run and Haynes scored on a delayed steal of home.

Evan Ferguson and Cody Gool walked and Drew Jenkins had a 2-run double.

The Hornets added a pair of insurance runs in the sixth inning.

Hern walked, stole second and moved up when Murphy hit into a fielder’s choice. Sparks singled for a run and he later scored on a hit by Haynes.

Sparks got the win in relief as he struck out six of the nine batters he face.

Delawder was 2-2 while Sparks and Haynes were 2-4 to lead the Hornets.

On Saturday, Coal Grove split a five-inning doubleheader at Minford, winning 4-2 and dropping the nightcap 3-0.

Murphy got the win in the first game with a 2-hitter. He struck out five, walked five, and the two runs were earned. He worked out of a base-loaded jam in the fifth inning to nail down the win.

Sparks led the offense as he went 3-for-3 including a 2-run homer.

River Valley 000 400 0 = 4 4 1

Coal Grove 300 042 x = 9 8 1

Cody Smith, Bradley Young (4), Tyler Noble (6) and Bradley Young, Cody Smith (4). Oakie Haynes, Justin Hern (4), Wayne Sports (5) and Jake Murphy. W-Sparks (6-K, 1-BB). L-Young. 2B-Coal Grove: Drew Jenkins. Hitting¬-River Valley: Austin Smith 1-3, Cody Smith 2-4, Bradley Young 1-3; Coal Grove: Justin Hern 1-2, Wayne Sparks 2-4, Frank Delawder 2-2, Oakie Haynes 2-4, Drew Jenkins 1-2.