The Loyd Star Hornets were victorious Tuesday night defeating the Pisgah Dragons 11-1 in game one of the best of three series in round two of the Class 2A state baseball playoffs.

“The boys came out ready to play tonight,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “We hit the ball really well. Caleb Yarborough did great job on the mound for us. Overall, we still need to keep our focus and continue to work hard as we will definitely face a tougher team in Pisgah Thursday.”

The Hornets (18-5) will travel to Sand Hill Thursday, to take on the Dragons in game two of the series. Game time is set for a 6:30 p.m. start.

Loyd Star 11, Pisgah 1 

The Hornets came out and quickly took charge of the contest in the first inning as they pushed across four runs to secure an early 4-0 lead. Loyd Star managed to add another one run on the scoreboard in bottom of the third inning to lead 5-0.

Loyd Star’s pitching and tough defense managed to keep the Dragons from getting anything started offensively as the Hornets held Pisgah scoreless until the fourth inning.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Dragon managed to break through Loyd Star’s defense to score their only run in the game.

In the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings, the Hornets hammered the Dragons to score six more runs to win the contest in five innings of work.

Caleb Yarborough dominated the pitcher mound for Loyd Star, giving up only one run on one hit with eight strikeouts and no walks.

Beau Nelson suffered the loss for the Dragons with no strikeouts and five walks.

Cole Smith sparked the Hornets’ offensive attack at the plate with a double and two singles. Brett Calcote fueled the flames with a double and a single. Levi Redd and Bradyn Brister contributed a pair of singles apiece. Hitting safely were Cade Hodges, Lamar Lang and Dorian Beard.

Archie Sullivan recorded the only hit on offense for the Dragon with a single.