Shane Lynch won his game on the mound and at the plate Mondaynight. The West Lincoln pitcher launched a game-winning, 2-runhomer in the bottom of the seventh inning which lifted the hostBears to a 4-3 triumph over the Franklin County Bulldogs.

It was the season finale for the Bears (7-12) who failed to makethe Class 1A state playoffs. Franklin County (12-10, 6-2),runner-up to North Pike in the Division 7-3A race, plays Thursdayin the Purvis regional, meeting Columbia at 3 p.m.

“There is no better way for my seniors to go out,” said WestLincoln first-year coach Keith Cline. “They fought adversity allyear long. The ball finally bounced our way tonight. I’m proud ofmy seniors and the leadership the gave our team.”

Lynch, a right-handed junior, struck out 4 batters and walked 3,giving up 5 hits. He was supported by flawless defense.

Lynch finished with 3 hits, including a double and a single.Adam Case, James Magee, Josh Rushing, Mason Douglas and Casey Brittsingled.

Dan Grissin absorbed the loss. Grissin gave up 8 hits, fanned 5and walked 1.

“West Lincoln did a great job in the last inning,” said FranklinCounty first-year head coach Johnny Daves. “We did not hit theball, and that unfortunate error at the end cost us.”

Daves was referring to Lynch’s homer. The ball hit the top ofthe right-fielder’s glove and bounced over the fence.

James King tripled and singled for the Bulldogs. Baron Jones andRyne Tutor doubled. Ryan Hall singled.

The Bulldogs took a 3-2 lead in the top of the fourth aftertrailing 2-1 in the first.

JV Results

Franklin County defeated West Lincoln 16-0 in the junior varsitygame. Blaine Abernathy singled twice and tripled for the Bulldogs.Robert Wilson doubled and singled. Cody Newman had 2 hits andDonnie McFarland doubled.

West Lincoln didn’t keep a scorebook for the JV game.