Defending state 3A champion Auburn Mountainview defeated Bonney Lake 6-3 in South Puget Sound League baseball action Friday at Auburn Mountainview High School.

The Lions (3-2 overall, 1-0 league) posted four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the game out of reach for the Panthers (4-1, 0-1).

Pitcher James Marsden earned the win with six innings of work, giving up three hits, including a home run. Marsden struck out eight and walked five.

Joey Cassano pitched an inning in relief, striking out one.

Senior Nate Zadow had two hits and two RBIs for Auburn Mountainview. Juniors Ikaika Nahaku, Hudson Byorick and Jeffrey Morgan each hit doubles for the Lions.

For Bonney Lake, Kash Kolterman was tagged with the loss, and Taiki Green had a home run.

The Lions travel to Enumclaw for a 4 p.m. game Monday.