The Loyd Star Hornets blanked the Franklin County Bulldogs 7-0 Monday night in a non-divisional contest at Meadville.

“We played a solid all-around baseball game tonight,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “We had timely hitting, great pitching from Levi Redd and Dylan Smith and good defense to back them up. Hopefully, this will give us some momentum as we prepare for the playoffs.”

The Hornets (17-7, 10-0) will resume action Friday night when they will host the first round of the Class 2A baseball playoffs. Loyd Star will play the No. 4 seed from Region 8-2A. Game time and opponent has not been determined.

The Bulldogs, coach by Brent Calcote, will also begin their playoff run in Class 3A Friday. Franklin County will host the No. 3 seed from Region 8-3A. Game time and opponent has not been determined.

Loyd Star 7, Franklin County 0 

The Hornets relied on strong defense to keep the Bulldogs scoreless through the game.

Leading 2-0, the Hornets added to their lead in the fifth and sixth innings, scoring five runs to secure a 7-0 victory.

Levi Redd was the winning pitcher for the Hornets with four strikeouts and no walks. Dylan Smith (2K, 0BB) pitched the final four innings in relief.

Thomas Slagle suffered the setback on the mound for the Bulldogs with four strikeouts and no walks.

Tucker Watts directed Loyd Star with three singles. Cade Hodges, Konner Allen, Levi Redd, Parker Flowers, Cade Smith and James Beard provided a single each.

De’Martre Collins was the top hitter for Franklin County with a triple and a single. Thomas Slagle contributed a double and a single. Davion Hunt had a double.