The Airline Vikings ended Benton’s bid for a perfect run through District 1-5A with a 2-1 victory Tuesday at Airline.
The loss prevented Benton (26-4-2, 12-1) from clinching the outright district championship. The Tigers can still do it with a victory in one of their final two district games against Natchitoches Central or an Airline loss.
Benton hosts Natchitoches Central Thursday at 5 in the first game of the series. Airline (17-11, 10-3) visits Haughton Thursday at 6 in the first of their final two-game district series.
Benton and Airline split the series with the Tigers winning 4-2 in eight innings Friday.
Benton tied the game at 1 with a run in the top of the sixth. The Vikings won it in the seventh.
Leadoff batter Leo Heng drew a walk and advanced to third on an error. The Tigers then intentionally walked Ayden Hawn and Zach Kolniak to load the bases.
Drew Robinson then brought home Heng with a bunt single.
Airline took a 1-0 lead in the second. Bo Carter led off with a double and Heng followed with a single. Hawn drew a walk to load the bases. Carter scored on a single by Kolniak.
Hayden Millen led off Benton’s sixth with a single, stole second and advanced to third on an error. Harrison Miller then brought him home with a single.
Both teams got outstanding pitching performances.
Airline starter Jack Henry Smith allowed three hits, struck out six and walked three in six innings. Silas Endris sat the Tigers down in order in the top of the seventh. Benton’s Bud Burns allowed four hits, struck out six and walked five in six innings.
Benton’s Case Jorden went 2-for-3.
