COLUMBIA – The Loyd Star Hornets escaped Columbia with a narrow 3-2 win over the East Marion Eagles Tuesday night in Region 7-2A baseball action.

“We had another solid pitching performance from Caleb Yarborough,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “Our defense was also solid. We have got to get our bats going if we want to be a contender in our district. Quitman Smith did a good job on keeping our bats in check for East Marion.”

The Hornets (6-4, 3-0) will be looking to secure the division sweep when to host the East Marion Eagles Friday night at Smith Field. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 7 p.m.

Loyd Star 3, East Marion 2 

The Hornets had their hands full in baseball action Tuesday night as they had fight to rally back from behind after trailing the Eagles 2-0 after the first inning of action.

Loyd Star managed to cut down East Marion’s lead to 2-1 in the top of the second inning. In the top of the fifth inning, Loyd Star managed to capture the lead from East Marion after pushing across two run to take a 3-2 lead and held on to secure the win.

Caleb Yarborough provided a dominating performance on the mound for Loyd Star after a shaky start in the first inning. Yarborough collected 10 strikeouts and gave up only one walk in a two-hit effort.

Quitman Smith suffered the loss for East Marion with five strikeouts and four walks.

Brett Calcote paced the Hornets’ offense with two singles. Levi Redd, Bradyn Brister, Lamar Lang and Yarborough hit safely.

Quitman Smith powered the Eagles offensive attack with a home run. Jaylin Atkins provided a single.

In junior varsity action,  Loyd Star clobbered East Marion 8-1.

Logan Murray pitched the win for the Hornets with three strikeouts and one walk.

Jordan Michel directed Loyd Star’s offense with a double. Dylan Smith, Tucker Watts, Lane Rogers and T.K. Patterson hit safely.