Lancers starting pitcher Joey Bateman delivered a strong performance in his team’s 10-3 victory over the Bears on Friday at 4-H Cowser Field.

Bateman went 4 1/3 innings before reaching the 55-pitch limit, impressing at least one spectator with his control and workman-like effort.

“It’s highly unusual for a pitcher to make it this long. He’s very good,” said Bears’ scorekeeper Kelley Norman. “The longest I’ve seen pitchers make it is three innings.”

The Lancers improved their record to 6-5 and stayed in fifth place in the 9-U division of the Douglas Amateur County Baseball Assn. with the victory.

The Bears got on the board early, scoring one run in the first inning on shortstop Dane McCullough’s RBI single that scored second baseman Danny Norman. McCullough fought back for the hit after being down 0-2 in the count.

The Bears threatened to score again later in the inning, but Lancers rightfielder John Fellers made a diving catch on a ball hit by Bears catcher Dallas Brown. Fellers barely missed doubling off McCullough at third base with a strong throw.

The Lancers tied things up in the bottom of the first when third baseman Matt Baker smoked a double to the gap in left-center field off pitcher Austin Abbott, scoring first baseman Chase Taylor. The Lancers took the lead for good later in the inning when Baker scored on an errant throw.

Both teams had several outstanding defensive plays during the next few innings. In the top of the third, Lancers shortstop Kyle McFarland went to his right to make a diving catch. On the very next play, Taylor fielded a grounder at first base and took it to the bag himself to beat out a sliding Conner Murphy.

Bears catcher Conner Murphy, left, loses control of the ball as Lancers baserunner John Fellers scores. The Lancers topped the Bears, 10-3, Friday at 4-H Cowser Field in Douglas County Amateur Baseball Assn. league play.

Fellers’ defensive prowess struck again in the top of the fourth when he made a diving catch in centerfield to rob Bears third baseman Matthew Day of a hit.

Lancers coach Jim Taylor had high praise for his team’s performance.

“I’m just proud of the kids,” Taylor said. “Joey threw a heck of a ball game.”

Bears coach Mike Murphy said his team, which planned to go out for ice cream after the game, gave a solid effort in the loss.

“They’re 9, they’re learning the game, they’re all real enthusiastic and they’re having fun,” he said.