Franklin Duelers built a five-run lead in the third inning and then held off Paducah Chiefs' charge for a 7-6 victory on Thursday. Paducah Chiefs scored four runs in the failed comeback on a single by Slater Schield in the sixth, a walk by Elijah Brooks in the sixth, a groundout by Brooks in the eighth, and a double by Krayton Morse in the ninth.

Franklin Duelers grabbed an early lead. Franklin Duelers scored on a walk by Bryce Cape, a walk by Mark Castle, and a walk by Brett Rowell in the first inning.

Franklin Duelers scored four runs in the third inning. Franklin Duelers put the pressure on, led by a walk by Sam Slaughter, a single by Jackson Musrock, and an error on a ball put in play by Jared Grenz.

Reid Howard was credited with the victory for Franklin Duelers. Howard went five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out four. A number of pitchers entered the game as relief, with Matt Jenkinson, Liam Samuels, Jonathon Burns, and Jacob Lassiat all securing outs and ultimately the victory. Lassiat recorded the last three outs to earn the save for Franklin Duelers.

Kailen Hamson took the loss for Paducah Chiefs. Hamson surrendered three runs on zero hits over one and one-third innings, striking out two.

Musrock, Tre'en Dorsett, Grenz, Castle, and Jenkinson each collected one hit to lead Franklin Duelers. Franklin Duelers didn't commit a single error in the field. Rowell had seven chances in the field, the most on the team.

Colby Morse led Paducah Chiefs with two hits in four at-bats.