LAKE – The West Lincoln Bears secured a huge Game One victory after a big sixth inning rally to clip the Lake Hornets 6-3 Thursday night in Class 2A state baseball playoff action.

“I thought we played really well,” said West Lincoln coach Steve Barrington. “We had quality at bats and got a stellar outing from Brady Wilson. Now we must refocus and get ready for Game Two. Lake is very well coached and they will come ready to play.”

The Bears (18-6, 7-3) will be in the hunt to close out the series tonight as they return home to host the Lake Hornets at the Cow Palace. Game time is set to start at 7 p.m.

West Lincoln 6, Lake 3 

The Bears managed to overcome a slow start after three inning of action to break up Lake’s bid for a shut out in the fourth inning as West Lincoln pushed one run across to cut into Lake’s lead at 3-1.

After fighting tough defensive battle in the bottom of the fourth and fifth inning, The Bears offense came alive in the top of the sixth inning as they blasted the Hornets with a five-run explosion to take claimed a 6-3 lead and potential win.

Brady Wilson was the winning pitcher for the Bears with eight strikeouts and three walks.

Matt Mitchell suffered the loss for the Hornets with nine strikeouts and eight walks. Bryson Luke (2K, 0BB) saw some action in relief.

Wilson powered West Lincoln’s offensive explosion in the sixth inning with a grand slam home run. Tanner Boutwell fueled the flames with a pair of singles. Austin Burris provided a single.

Mitchell was the top hitter for Lake with three singles. Levi Culpepper and Zach Reddit hit safely.