Lincoln Christian bounced back from an early week loss in a big way on Thursday, as the Bulldogs dominated in two big wins over Metro Christian and Cascia Hall in the Pinnacle Conference Festival.

Lincoln (18-5) beat Claremore Sequoyah on Monday 6-5 before falling to the Eagles at home on Tuesday 7-6.

But the Bulldogs responded on Thursday afternoon, as Lincoln rolled 11-6 over Metro and 14-4 over Cascia at Regent Prep High School.

"Our guys bounced back with a great day after the loss on Tuesday," said Lincoln head coach Greg Harmon. "It was a tough loss but I loved our mentality today. We played pretty well defensively, got some good pitching and put a lot of pressure on our opponents when we were at the plate."

The Bulldogs broke out of a mini funk offensively, scoring 25 runs in a span of four hours on Thursday.

"We were much better at the plate than we have been recently," said Harmon. "We scored almost every inning and we were much more consistent. Lately, we have been relying on one big inning each game so it's nice to string some good innings together."

Lincoln is 7-1 in district play with a one-game lead over Clarmore Sequoyah and four games to play.

"This upcoming week is a big week for us," said Harmon. "Our two games with Adair on Monday and Tuesday are huge for district implications. We need to go out and play well."

LINCOLN 11, METRO 6

The Bulldogs scored in each of the first four innings and jumped out to a 8-6 lead before tacking on some insurance runs late behind a big day from sophomore Aiden Hendren.

Hendren was 2-for-3 with a double and a homer, as he led an offensive attack that six of the nine hitters record a basket and all nine reach base.

"We were really strong situationally at the plate," said Harmon. "We took advantage of some of their miscues and that was a big difference in the game."

Lincoln leaned on senior pitcher Chandler Cozbey to start the game, as he went three innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits.

But the Bulldogs got two innings apiece of shutout relief from Kade Poplin and senior Carter Ricke, as the duo kept the Patriots off the board in the final four frames.

"We had some defensive struggles early with uncharacteristic plays on some pop flies in the outfield, which led to Chandler having an elevated pitch count," said Harmon. "But I am really proud of Kade Poplin and Carter Ricke for coming in and giving us four outstanding innings together."

The combo allowed just four hits and a walk, while striking out three. Ricke pitched the final two innings to close things out.

Cozbey was also 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs, while sophomore Jax Crumbliss doubled for Lincoln in the win.

Poplin, Ricke, Cole Dooley and Beaux Brumble each had an RBI for the Bulldogs.

Lincoln led 2-0 after an inning before Metro tied the game in the top of the 2nd.

Lincoln regained the lead after a run crossed in the bottom half before Metro took a 6-3 lead after a big top of the 3rd.

But the Bulldogs responded.

Lincoln scored five in the bottom of the 3rd to take the 8-6 lead.

The Bulldogs added two more in the 4th and another in the 6th.

LINCOLN 14, CASCIA HALL 4

Lincoln used more of the same good offense in the second game, as the Bulldogs exploded and broke the game open with a big 4th inning.

After Lincoln led 2-0 early and 5-1 though three innings, Cascia responded with three in the top of the 4th to cut the margin to just a run.

But the Bulldogs ambushed the Commandos with nine runs in the bottom half of the 4th to take a double-digit run lead.

Freshman Major Brooks was 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles and three RBIs.

Ricke was 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs, while Reid Eddings was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in the win.

Brumble finished 2-for-4, as well, with a double and two RBIs to match Eddings.

Cozbey and Dooley each had a hit, an RBI and two runs scored for the Bulldogs, while Hendren walked three times.

Cade Ryan got the start for Lincoln and went four of the five innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits. He also walked just two and struck out seven.

"He got touched up a little early but he was solid for us," said Harmon. "Give credit to them for walking and then stringing together some hits and a homer to stay in the game. They were making some good swings but Cade battled for us."

Poplin pitched an inning of shutout relief.

"It was another good performance from our guys when we needed it," said Harmon.

Photos by Lee Talley