Hornets sting Laurel in Columbia tourney
Published 8:46 pm Tuesday, March 9, 2010
COLUMBIA — Pitcher T.J. Floyd won his first start of theseason, rightfielder Marquis Hayes hit a 2-run homer in the seventhand the Loyd Star Hornets beat Laurel’s Golden Tornados 10-7 Mondaynight in the Columbia Tournament. The Hornets (5-1) finished withnine hits.
Korey Allen hit an inside-the-park homer for Loyd Star when hedrove the ball to the center field fence. Laurel’s outfielder raninto the outfield wall and collapsed.
Tyler Case tripled for Loyd Star. Leebo Bairfield doubled. BrandonCanny’s pinch-hit single in the fifth pushed Loyd Star ahead5-4.
“This was the first start for T.J.,” said Loyd Star coach JonathanBreakfield. “He doesn’t have his stamina built up yet.”
In 5.1 innings, Floyd (6 K, 2 BB) picked up his first win of theseason. Floyd gave up seven runs on six hits. Case (3 K, 1 BB) hitone batter and chalked up the save, holding the Tornados hitless in1.2 innings of relief.
“This was our most complete game,” Breakfield continued. “Everybodyon the team made a contribution to the win.”
Darion Vester started and took the loss. Laurel, directed byfirst-year coach Jordan Rogers, was led by second baseman WilliamBender who doubled twice and tripled.
Loyd Star plays powerhouse West Lauderdale Thursday in the ColumbiaTournament. Game time is 4 p.m.