The Hornets Nest was stirred up Saturday night as the Loyd Star Hornets battled Ackerman to even the series at 1-all. Loyd Star tattooed the Indians 14-4 in the Class 2A State baseball playoffs at Smith Field.

Loyd Star only needed six innings to force a decisive Game Three at Ackerman Monday night. Game time is set for 4:30 p.m.

“This was a great win,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “The guys did a great job playing hard with their backs against the wall.

“Our bats came alive in the game to give Caleb Yarborough some run support. Overall, I was very pleased with the guys’ effort to rise up to the challenge. Now we have to go over there and finish our business.”

The win avenge a narrow 5-4 comeback win by Ackerman Thursday night on a muddy field.

Loyd Star 14, Ackerman 4

The Hornets and Indians battled back and forth in the first three innings as they fought to a 4-4 tie.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Hornets seized a one run lead over Ackerman.

In the fifth, Loyd Star exploded with a six runs to increase the lead to a commanding 11-4 and invoke the 10-run mercy rule in the bottom of the sixth inning with three more runs.

Yarborough collected the win for Loyd Star (20-7) with a solid pitching performance. He had seven strikeouts, no walks and one hit batter.

Cole Burney suffered the loss for Ackerman (15-10) with one strikeout, two walks and three hit batters.

Shortstop Braden Smith provided the offensive charge and led the Hornets with three singles. Cori Crowe fueled the flames with a triple and a double. Logan Smith ripped a double and single. Branden Canny contributed a pair of singles. Hitting safely were Seth Farmer, Brett Calcote and Dorian Beard.

Centerfielder Cody Harris was the offensive leader for the Indians with a home run. Javorie Triplett and Burney provided two singles each. Coty Weaver, Logan Black and Brody Hines hit safely.

“The guys played hard, but we were too tight on defense,” said Ackerman coach Patrick Nutt. “Our guys did a good hitting the ball offensively. On defense, we made too many careless mistakes and gave up too many walks or hit batters. We need to put this game behind us and get ready for Loyd Star Monday.”