Keith Lyle had another big game Wednesday, going 2-3 to lead Bainbridge to a 7-4 win over Early County.

“It’s a good team win,” coach Brian McCorkle said. “We got a solid performance from our starters, good relief pitching, and pinch hitters who executed. All our guys understand it is a team game and were ready to go tonight.”

Will Kelley handled business on the mound, going for 4 1/3 innings. He struck out six, walked two and surrendered three hits. Ty Varnum pitched a scoreless sixth and seventh inning to wrap up the game.

The Bearcats scored two runs in the first inning and held on to the lead the rest of the evening.

Bainbridge added three more runs in the top of the third. Dustin Hodge walked to start the inning. Noah Bryant followed that with a single. Griffin Long reached on a Bobcat error. Clark Wiggins was hit by a pitch driving in Hodge. That was followed up by Caleb Boutwell’s single, bringing home Russell Wheeler.

Three runs in the bottom of the fifth helped Early County close its deficit to 6-4. A two-run single by Jake Sealy and a walk by Trip McDonald set off Early County rally. Lawson Lane entered the game on the mound and got a strikeout and then induced an inning-ending ground out from Ladarious Teal.

“I thought we did a good job of getting on them early which ended up being the difference in the game,” McCorkle said. “Give Early credit, they didn’t fold the tent, they hung in there and fought back. Our guys did a good job of not letting the game get away from us. When they made a run we stayed focused and made the plays we needed in order to win.”

Bainbridge is back at home next Monday, Feb. 22, to host Westover for the first Region 1-AAAA game of the season. First pitch is at 5:30 p.m.