A big third inning showing propelled the Homer Mariners softball team to a dominant 18-3 victory over Kenai Central Tuesday in Homer.

Homer led 18-3 heading to the bottom of the third frame, and forced the game to end early with a mercy ruling after bringing home 10 runs. Overall, the Mariners out hit the Kardinals 7-3, but Kenai suffered three errors.

Kenai dropped to 2-2 overall and in the Northern Lights Conference with the loss. Homer improved to 3-3 overall and 2-0 in the NLC.

Kenai quickly grabbed a 2-0 lead at the top of the first inning, but Homer countered with four runs in the bottom of the inning. The Mariners then added four more in the bottom of the second before their massive third outing.

McKi Needham led Homer with 2-for-2 hitting, three RBIs and three runs scored. Mary Hana Bowe also batted in three runs and Riley Walls touched home three times.

Needham pitched a complete game for Homer, striking out five while giving up two earned runs on three hits, and walked no one.

Cierra King started for Kenai, going 2 1-3 innings and striking out two. King gave up 13 earned runs on six hits and walked nine. Savannah Jones finished off the final out of the third inning with one hit and one walk.