The Bainbridge Bearcats (13-4, 8-3 Region 1-AAAA) were only able to muster three hits against the rival Cairo Syrupmakers (13-3, 8-3 Region 1-AAAA) Tuesday in a close 1-0 loss.

Syrupmaker Drew Leverette slammed out a home run in the fifth inning to give Cairo the lead and the win.

“He got a good swing on the ball and got one out of there,” coach Brian McCorkle said.

It was one of only four hits Bainbridge pitcher Ty Varnum allowed on the night. Varnum pitched six innings, striking out two Syrupmakers and walking three.

“Varnum pitched extremely well,” McCorkle added. “We pitched good enough to win, we played good enough defense to win. They just made one more plan than us.”

Bainbridge’s three hits came from Conner Strickland, Will Kelley and Clark Wiggins. McCorkle said Cairo pitcher Emerson Hancock had a strong fastball and breaking ball.

“He was awfully good,” McCorkle said. “With those guys it takes two or three times around to get dialed in.”

Bainbridge’s game against Cook County in Adel Friday was rained out. It is rescheduled for next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.