The Franklin County Diamond Dawgs got their season off to a good start Friday night with a 13-3 victory over Enterprise in the Loyd Star Classic Tournament.

Coached by Brent Calcote, the Diamond Dawgs exploded for five runs in the fourth inning and added six runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning to produce the 10-run mercy rule.

Franklin High was led by winning pitcher Thomas Slagle on the mound with five strikeouts. Slagle, a junior standout, also showed out at the plate with a game-leading three hits – a single, double and a home run – for three RBIs and a stolen base.

Antonio Christmas and Dalivan Hunt added three hits for the Bulldogs, while Will Moffet batted in three runs and had a home run.

For Enterprise, Austin Fugler absorbed the loss despite striking out six batters.

The Yellow Jackets took an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, and carried a 3-2 lead into the fourth before the Bulldogs’ bats exploded.

Tanner Waldrop powered the Jackets at the plate with a home run. Landon Gartman provided a double. Hitting safely were Reese Brocato, Cade Congemi. Marvin Butler and Austin Fugler

“I have to give credit to Franklin County, they flat out outplayed us and wanted to win more than we did,” Enterprise coach Cass Brister said.

The Yellow Jackets are 2-1 overall. They play South Pike Friday evening in the Lincoln County Invitational tournament at Loyd Star at 6:30 p.m.

Franklin County will play host to Natchez Cathedral Tuesday night in Bude at 7.