ADAMS TWP — Erin Hershman gave the Mars softball teams offense a jolt Friday afternoon.

It also continued her assault at the plate. Hershman belted a two-run home run in the fourth inning to help the Planets earn a 7-0, Section 5-AAA win over Indiana.

Hershman, who also homered against Knoch in the first game of a doubleheader, now has five on the season.

“I don’t look to put one out because when I try to put one out, I strike out,” Hershman said. “I relax, stay back and it will go.”

Mars (7-3, 4-2), which led 2-0 before Hershman’s bomb to center field, needed a jolt after its comeback attempt fell short in an 8-7 loss to Knoch in Game 1.

Hershman provided that lift.

“I think they all have confidence when she gets to the plate that she’s going to make something happen, whether it’s a home run or just a hit,” Mars coach Michele Goodworth said. “I think she always gives them a spark.”

Planets pitcher Niki Schlegel never gave the Little Indians’ lineup room to breathe. Schlegel struck out seven batters and only allowed two hits. Indiana (2-11, 1-8) didn’t get its first hti until Adrian Smith doubled in the fifth inning.

“She did a good job of mixing things up,” Little Indians coach Harold Wilson said. “She got us to swing at some high pitches. Our offensive production wasn’t there today.”

Suzanne Papik put Mars ahead in the third inning, driving in Jeanna Sybert with a single. Schlegel doubled to open the fourth inning and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Shelby Huber.

Blake Kitt finished with two hits and drove in three runs for the Planets.

Mars, which is third in the section, is still in good position to make the playoffs.

“We still have our eyes on the section title,” Goodworth said.

Indiana 000 000 0 — 0 2 4

Mars 001 402 x — 7 8 0

W: Niki Schlegel 7IP (7K, 0BB). L: Emily Farmer 6IP (1K, BB).

Indiana (2-11, 1-7): Adrian Smith 2B, Bethany Balencic 1B

Mars (7-3, 4-2): Paige Castora 1B, Suzanne Papik 1B, Niki Schlegel 2B, Erin Hershman HR, Blake Kitt 1B 2B, Shelby Huber 1B, Kasey Jones 2B

Monday: Mars at Kittanning