Gavin Smith struck out 11 and overcame a couple of costly wild pitches to lead Mt. Pulaski past Meridian 7-3 in non-conference high school boy's baseball action from Meridian Monday afternoon.

Smith allowed three unearned runs across 6 2/3 innings and Liam Smith closed the door with a strikeout to secure the win for the Hilltoppers. 

Jackson Fricke doubled and finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Landon Smith, Liam Smith, and Clayton Aylesworth drove in runs for the Hilltoppers, who drew nine walks. 

Mt. Pulaski was active on the basepaths. Smith, Evan Cooper, AJ Bailey, and Ethan Payne had stolen bases. 

The Hilltoppers improve to 17-3 overall and resume Tomahawk Conference action Wednesday when they host Athens.