Seniors Kyle Bender and Dustin Oliver led the way as Delphi defeated Clinton Central 4-1 in the opening round of IHSAA Sectional 39 at Carroll Monday night.

After Bender struck out the first 3 Bulldogs in the bottom of the first, the Oracles immediately responded with the first 3 batters reaching in the top of the second on a single to left by Kory Banes, a walk to Andrew Cebulla, and Oliver being hit by a pitch. Banes scored when AJ Beckett grounded to short and the force at home was late. The bases remained loaded and after a pop-out and strike out, Andrew Flora was struck by a pitch to plate another run and the Oracles led 2-0.

The Oracles added 2 more in the third when Mike Myers led off with a bunt single, Cebulla was hit by a pitch, and Oliver drove them both home with a ringing double to left.

Bender went the distance, allowing 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 9. His record for the season now stands at 9-2.

The Oracles (20-8) resume play in the second game on Wednesday against Fountain Central. Carroll and Seeger square off in game 1 that evening at 5. The winners are set to play in the sectional championship on Thursday at 5 p.m.