The Lima Locos edged the Michigan Monarchs 5-4 on Friday night at Simmons Field, winning a potential playoff preview while celebrating longtime team owner Bill Leahy's 20th season with the franchise.

Andy Hayes got the start for Lima and set the tone early, tossing three scoreless innings, while the Loco offense provided early run support,

In the bottom of the first, Grant McGuire rolled a grounder through the infield to score Payton Ebbing. Later in the frame, David Falloon dropped a shallow fly into the outfield, bringing home Cole Crafton to make it 2-0.

In the third, McGuire came through again with an RBI groundout, and Falloon knocked another infield single to score Crafton once more, extending Lima's lead to 4-0.

Hometown product Ryan Yingst shut the door in the final frames. The Perry graduate and current UNOH Racer struck out two in relief to help seal the win.

With the victory, the Locos improve to 27-12 and maintain the top seed in the GLSCL North. The Monarchs fall to 21-19 with the loss.

Pregame festivities featured Hometown Stations' very own Tony Quach, who delivered the ceremonial first pitch to an enthusiastic crowd. Quach arrived early to warm up and meet with fans before painting the outside corner with his pitch.

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