Niceville, FL — An early lead helped Arnold Varsity Marlins defeat Niceville 8-5 on Thursday. Arnold Varsity Marlins scored on an error, a walk by Zane Monk, a single by Brayden Black, a single by Christian Corona, and a single by Colton Dorsey in the second inning. Arnold Varsity Marlins pulled away for good with six runs in the second inning. In the second an error scored one run for Arnold Varsity Marlins, Monk drew a walk, scoring one run, Black singled on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs, Corona singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run, and Dorsey singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run. Cooper Moss was on the mound for Arnold Varsity Marlins. The pitcher surrendered three runs on five hits over three innings, striking out five and walking one. Gavin Dodds started the game for Niceville. The pitcher surrendered six runs on three hits over one and one-third innings, striking out one. Chase Waters, Jayson Chaffee, and Jackson Dennison each contributed in relief for Niceville. Corona went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Arnold Varsity Marlins in hits. Preston Murphy led Niceville with two hits in four at bats.