The memory of a disappointing end to the 2015 season is still fresh for Howard senior Casey Crawford. After starting the year 15-4, the Lions ended with back-to-back losses that took them out of the running for the county championship, then eliminated them from the playoffs.

But with Wednesday's 11-1 win over defending Howard County champion Mount Hebron, the Lions (3-0 in county) are well on their way to turning the page.

“We're just trying to improve,” said Crawford, who earned the win, singled and drove in a run. “We knew [Mount Hebron] was going to be a duel. ... We just needed to hit the ball and play good defense.”

Crawford held the No. 4 Vikings (2-1 in county) to one unearned run on two hits through five innings.

“Getting ahead [in the count] was key. I've got a good defense behind me, so I was just pitching strikes,” Crawford said.

The Lions took advantage of Mount Hebron's defensive struggles in the fourth, when they batted around and scored six runs on two errors and hits by Ryan Vale, Jayden Cowan, Cameron Robinson and Reid Walsh.

The Vikings committed four errors and walked seven, hit two batters and allowed 10 hits, including doubles by Cowan and leadoff hitter KJ Murray.

“I think we've got as strong of a lineup as there is in the county, one to nine,” Howard coach Nick Hoffner said. “Today was a good day for us. Everybody knew this was a big game.”