COLUMBIA – The West Lincoln Bears suffered a tough 6-3 loss to the East Marion Eagles to begin their Region 7-2A race Tuesday night.

West Lincoln (0-6, 0-1) returns home to host the East Marion Eagles Friday with high hopes of evening the series at one game apiece. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game.

East Marion 6, West Lincoln 3 

Hunter Maxwell suffered the setback on the mound for the Bears with four strikeouts and no walks.

Alex Neal was the top hitter for West Lincoln at the plate with a double. Hitting safely were Austin Burns, Bryce Temple and Ty Forman.