A contest between the big cats played out Friday in Henry County. The Bradwell Tigers and the Luella Lions battled for the title of king of the jungle or, perhaps more accurately, king of the baseball diamond during the first round of the state playoffs.

The Tigers entered the Lions’ den looking to dethrone the home team but Luella left the match with the crown after pummeling the Tigers 18-0 and 16-1 in the double header, eliminating the Hinesville boys from the playoffs.

The first game buzzed by quickly as the home team scored 13 runs in the first inning and eventually won by the mercy rule in the third.

The Lions pitcher was on the mark, striking out six of the first seven Tiger batters.

Pick up Sunday's Coastal Courier for the complete story.