MEADVILLE – The Loyd Star Hornets captured a 3-1 victory over the Franklin County Bulldogs in baseball action Saturday afternoon.

“Cade Hodges pitched a great game and our defense played solid behind him,” Loyd Star coach Jared Britt said. “Overall, I am happy to get the win, but now we have to continue to prepare hard for a tough West Lincoln team.”

The Hornets (12-5, 8-0) are schedule to host the West Lincoln Bears Tuesday for a huge Region 7-2A series at Smith Field. Junior varsity action begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6:30 p.m.

Loyd Star 3, Franklin Co. 1 

The Hornets and the Bulldogs battled in a defensive contest as the game went scoreless until the top of the third inning, when Loyd Star scored two runs to take a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third inning, Franklin County rallied back and score one run to cut down Loyd Star’s lead to 2-1.

In the top of the third inning, the Hornets managed to add to their lead as they pushed one run across the plate to take a 3-1 lead and relied on their tough defense to hold the Bulldogs scoreless throughout the rest of the contest.

Cade Hodges (2-1) was the winning pitcher for the Hornets with three strikeouts and no walks.

Chris Cantrel suffered the lost for the Bulldogs on the mound with one strikeout and five walks.

Levi Redd and Brett Calcote paced the Hornets offense with two singles each. Caleb Yarborough contributed a single.

Bernard Selmon and Graham Cowart were the top hitters for the Bulldogs at the plate with a single each.

In JV action,  Franklin County edged Loyd Star 7-6.

Brandon Lang absorbed the setback on the mound for Loyd Star with two strikeouts and two walks.

T.K. Patterson led the Loyd Star offense with two singles. Brandon Lang provided a double. Hitting safely were Jordan Michel, Cullen Keene and Cade Hodges.