Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PORTSMOUTH — When they raise the American flag in outfield before each game, the Green Bobcats can fly another banner.
The 2017 Southern Ohio Conference Division baseball champions banner.
Green won a 3-2 thriller over the Portsmouth Notre Dame Titans on Monday to clinch the SOC title.
Green (15-3, 10-0) clinched its first title since 2011. The Bobcats had two games left and every other team has at least three losses.
“Tyler Darnell made a couple nice catches in centerfield and threw a runner out. Tayte Carver supported himself well. Trevor Carver has excelled in the closer role,” said Green coach Dan McDavid.
“Anytime you win a league title, it take a team effort and everyone on the team has been a part of the success we’ve had. We’re happy to win the title and now we have some more goals to reach.”
Tyler Darnell walked, stole second and scored on a hit by Tayte Carver.
The Titans loaded the bases in the bottom of the first with one out but Carver got C.J. Corns to hit a line back to the mound that he turned into a double play.
Notre Dame tied the game in the third when Cameron Rodriguez singled, stole second and came home on a single by Tyler Speas.
The Bobcats regained the lead for good with two runs in the top of the fifth.
Tanner Kimbler singled and Darnell reached on a throwing error. Tayte Carver then hit a double off the top of the fence as both runners scored.
The Titans got a run back in the bottom of the inning.
Rodriguez and Speas walked with one out and Corns singled to load the bases. Grant Sparks then reached on an error as Rodriguez scored.
Shaw and Turner both singled to start the sixth. Kayser hit a liner headed for left field but Green third baseman Bryce Ponn made a diving catch and threw to second base for a double play.
Trevor Carver set the Titans down in order in the seventh.
Green hosts Western for senior night on Wednesday.
Green          100    020    0    =    3    7    3
Notre Dame    001    010    0    =    2    8    2
Tayte Carver, Trevor Carver (6) and Tanner Kimbler. Drew Cassidy and Sam Kayser. W-Ta. Carver (K-4, BB-3). Save-Tr. Carver (K-1, BB-0). L-Cassidy (K-7, BB-3). Hitting-Green: Tanner Kimbler 1-4, Tyler Darnell 1-3 2-R, Tayte Carver 2-4 2B 3-RBI, Trevor Carver 2-3, Hayden Whitis 1-2; PND: Sam Kayser 2-4, Cameron Rodriguez 1-4, Tyler Speas 1-2, C.J. Corns 1-3, Tyler Shaw 2-3, Trevon Turner 1-3.