NATCHEZ – The Loyd Star Hornets handed the Natchez CathedralGreen Wave a 14-5 whipping Thursday night to claim the runner-upspot in the Division 6-2A race.

Loyd Star improved to 6-2 in the division and 14-10 overall.Cathedral is eliminated and finishes the season with a 9-7-1worksheet.

Loyd Star hosts McComb Saturday for an 11 a.m. junior varsitygame and a 1 p.m. varsity matchup. Monday, Loyd Star visitsFranklin County Monday.

The playoffs begin for Loyd Star this Thursday at Clarkdale. Thegame time for the first game of the best-of-three series will beannounced. Loyd Star will host the second game and Clarkdale thethird if necessary.

“I am real proud of our kids,” said Loyd Star head baseballcoach Anthony Hart. “We played a tough schedule this year. (Hartexplained that he scheduled talented Class 3A and 4A teams thisseason).

“Some losses were a little tight,” continued Hart. “I’mimpressed with the way we fought back. Our hard year is going topay off going into the playoffs.”

Powering the Hornets with a home run, a double and a single wassenior left fielder Deke Purdy. Brad Britt, Jody Britt and SethBritt ripped a double and a single apiece. Chase Coley, CassBrister, Adam Speeg, Blake Wall and Matthew Delaughter hitsafely.

Brister (5-3) posted the win, allowing five hits, striking outtwo batters and walking four. Seth Britt took over the final threeinnings, allowing four hits and recording two strikeouts.

Charlie Norris absorbed the loss.

Bare Lane paced Cathedral with two singles. Ben Eite, JimSandal, Norris, Clay Hernandez and Mike Mann hit safely.