The Loyd Star Hornets survived an offensive thriller Tuesday as they handcuffed the East Marion Eagles 10-9 in Region 7-2A baseball action.

“Peyton Flowers pitched a great game for us,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “I am really proud of our toughness to battle back and get another big district win. Overall, I am still not pleased with our defensive play; we must continue to improve in that area.”

The Hornets (7-5, 3-0) will invade Columbia to take on the East Marion Eagles Friday for another huge district test. Junior varsity action starts at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 7 p.m.

Loyd Star 10, East Marion 9 

Loyd Star and East Marion baseball witness a thrilling offensive game Tuesday night as the Hornets came out and set the tone of the contest by taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

The Eagles answered in the top of the second inning with a three-run blast by Jonathon Abrams to give East Marion a 3-1 lead.

The Hornets fought back tie the game at 3-all in the bottom of the second inning.

In the top of the third inning, East Marion reclaimed a slim 5-3 lead, before Loyd Star answered with a three-run jolt in the fifth and sixth innings to carry a 9-5 lead into the final inning.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Eagles refused to give up and battled back to tied the game at 9-all with high hopes of pushing the contest into extra innings, but the Hornets managed to put an end to East Marion’s strategy in the bottom of the seventh inning by pushing across the winning run to secure the victory.

Peyton Flowers was the winning pitcher for the Hornets with 10 strikeouts and five walks.

Jaylin Akins suffered the loss for the Eagles with four strikeouts and five walks.

Seth Farmer and Caleb Yarborough were the offensive leaders for Loyd Star with a pair of singles. Hayden Brownlee ripped a double and had four RBIs. Hitting safely were Brett Calcote and Darian Beard.

Abrams directed East Marion at the plate with a home run. Darrean Jefferson had a double. Quitman Smith, Jarveon Howard and Latodrick Fortenberry hit safely.