The Loyd Star Hornets and the West Lincoln Bears provided a great defensive pitcher duel in baseball action Friday night as the Hornets escaped with a 1-0 win over the Bears to win the Region 7-2A crown.

“I am very proud of our boys for scrapping out a huge win,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “I would like to give Seth Bivens and West Lincoln credit they played hard. Coach David Gilbert is doing a great job with them. Overall, I am extremely proud of the boys for winning district.”

The Hornets (13-5, 9-0) will be looking to finish the district race undefeated as they host the Bears (9-8, 7-2) Monday at Smith Field. Junior varsity action begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6:30 p.m.

West Lincoln’s baseball team celebrated Senior Night Friday as they recognized Ty Forman, Bryce Temple and Alex Neal for the contest.

Loyd Star 1, West Lincoln 0 

After a week layoff due to the weather, the Loyd Star Hornets and the West Lincoln Bears were ready to hit the field. Both teams enter into the contest knowing that the Region 7-2A crown was up for grabs.

Loyd Star needing just one win to clinch district and West Lincoln needing to sweep to capture the title.

Loyd Star and West Lincoln baseball fans gathered and witness a great defensive pitcher duel as Caleb Yarborough and Seth Bivens both went the distance to help their team win.

The contest remained scoreless until the top of the fifth inning, when Loyd Star’s Caleb Yarborough hit a sacrifice fly deep in the outfield to score a runner for third base to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, West Lincoln threatened to rally back to either tie game or capture the win, but failed the bring home the runners in scoring position as Loyd Star escape West Lincoln’s confines with the victory.

Yarborough was the winning pitcher on the mound for the Hornets giving up only two hits and two walks, while earning 11 strikeouts.

Seth Bivens suffered the setback on the rubber for the Bears allowing only three hits with four strikeouts and four walks.

“This was a great defensive contest for both teams,” said West Lincoln first year head coach David Gilbert. “I am extremely proud of my guys efforts. We had our chance to win at the end, but it did not happen. Now, we must regroup and get ready to play Monday.”

Daniel Spears was the top hitter for West Lincoln at the plate with a double. Bivens had a single.

Bradyn Brister, Lamar Lang and Hayden Brownlee paced the Hornets offensive attack with a single each.

In junior varsity action, the Hornets won 5-3 over the Bears.

Dylan Smith pitched the win for Loyd Star in two innings of work. Drdyn Brister (4K, 3BB) pitched the last three innings for the Hornets.

Cole Smith paced the Hornets offense with a double. Cade Hodges had a single