Dakota Boney pitched like an ace Friday evening as the Southeast Lauderdale starter went seven full innings and struck out 16 batters to help the Tigers to a 7-2 win against Meridian at home.

Boney surrendered just two runs on three hits and four walks, and after giving up two walks and an RBI single to Commondre Cole in the top of the first, Boney gave up just one run the rest of the way on two hits and two walks.

“He had a great night for us,” Southeast Lauderdale baseball coach Shay Cooper said. “He was throwing just as hard at the end as he was in the beginning, and he actually seemed to get stronger as the game went on. I don’t think he was very loose at the beginning, but by the end he was throwing it well. He was able to change speeds just enough to keep them off balance.”

Boney also had a good night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. Tucker Davidson finished 2-for-2 with two RBIs, and Ryan Smith and Johnathan Polk both went 2-for-4. Polk also had an RBI, as did Zach Flaskamp.

Kesean Boyd had an RBI double for Meridian, and Garyon Moffitte also singled to tally the Wildcats’ other two hits. Meridian coach Eddie Easley said he was pleased with the way his players competed, though there is room to improve in several aspects.

“We have to eliminate errors defensively and work on our approach at the plate to put more balls in play,” Easley said. “Overall, it was good to go out there and play seven innings against a quality opponent. (Boney) threw an excellent game. We’ll be back at 6 p.m. (Saturday) at home against Mize, and I look for us to have the same energy and continue to work to change the culture of our program. Each game we have learned from and gotten better and shown improvements, and I’m proud of the guys for that.”

Southeast Lauderdale (3-1) will host Clarkdale for a doubleheader at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday.