RICHTON – The Loyd Star Hornets eliminated the Richton Rebels with a 9-0 win to clinch a two-game sweep in the best-of-three series Thursday night in the Class 2A State Baseball Playoffs.

“I am very proud of the boys for coming out focused and ready to play,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “It took us a couple of innings to get our bats going, but we managed to get our offense clicking in the fourth inning,

“Caleb Yarborough had another stellar performance on the mound for us.” continued Britt. “It is a great achievement to be playing for the South State championship, but we need to remain focused on taking one game at a time.”

The Hornets (21-6) will advance the MHSAA South State 2A championship next week and hosted the winner of the Taylorsville-St. Joe series, Tuesday. Game times have not been released at this time.

Loyd Star 9, Richton 0 

The Hornets and the Rebels battled in a defensive scoreless contest through three innings of work, before Loyd Star’s offense managed to catch fire in the top of the fourth inning and lasted through the rest of the game.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Hornets’ managed to break up the scoreless contest by scoring one run to take a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the fifth inning, Loyd Star continued their hot hitting streak as they pounded the Rebel with a six-run explosion to increase their lead to 7-0.

In the top of the sixth and seventh innings, the Hornets scored one run each inning to extend their lead to 9-0 and held off the Rebels offensive attack in the bottom of the seventh inning to complete the shutout.

Caleb Yarborough provided a dominating performance on the mound for the Hornets. He collects the win in the one-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts and one walk.

Colby Cooper suffered the loss for the Rebels with five strikeouts and five walks.

Brett Calcote and Bradyn Brister sparked the Hornets’ offensive at the plate with two singles and two RBIs each. Levi Redd fueled the flames with a double. Hitting safely were Cade Hodges, Caleb Yarborough, Dorian Beard and Hayden Brownlee.

Colby Cooper recorded the only hit on offense for Richton with a single.