Lincoln Christian continued its strong play in district action on Monday, as the Bulldogs swept Adair in a double-header to remain in first place in 3A-6.

Lincoln (21-5) beat Adair 11-7 and 7-4 on the road, moving its district record to 9-1 and giving itself a two-game lead with two games to go.

The Bulldogs were originally scheduled to play a home-and-home with the Warriors, but weather on Tuesday forced both games to be played on Monday.

Lincoln took full advantage of the schedule change, as head coach Greg Harmon had his top arms rested and ready.

"We have a lot of versatility with our pitching," he said. "We have four top arms that are all capable Monday starters, which is usually when your top guy throws."

The head coach spoke about the lack of selfishness between the group, as the head coach can use any of the four to start, relieve or close.

"There are no egos from any of them and they are all willing to fill any role that we need to help us win," Harmon said.

The Bulldogs will be at Victory Christian today before traveling to Community Christian on Saturday, followed by the final two district games vs. Salina next week.

"We have a veteran team that continues to find ways to win against quality opponents," said Harmon.

The goals are still the same, as the Bulldogs have sights set on winning the district, hosting a regional and super regional and making the state tournament.

"Our goals are still the same but we have to finish strong," said Harmon. "That's what we pride ourselves on - finishing strong. Its the trademark of our program and we are excited for the opportunity to do so."

The Bulldogs will clinch the district with a split with Sailna next week.

Lincoln is one of only three teams in Class 3A with 20+ wins, as Washington and Marlow have also eclipsed the 20-win mark.

LINCOLN 11, ADAIR 7

A big inning late in the game proved to be the difference in the first game of Monday's doubleheader in Adair.

In a back-and-forth contest throughout, Lincoln trailed 7-6 going into the top of the 7th inning.

But the Bulldogs broke the game open in a big way.

After 1-out singles by Silas Goff and Major Brooks, Beaux Brumble kept the line moving with an RBI-base-hit to tie the game at 7-7.

Lane Hunter reached by error shortly after with two outs before Cole Dooley walked with the bases loaded to give Lincoln an 8-7 edge.

The next hitter, senior Chandler Cozbey, ripped a double to right, scoring three and giving Lincoln a 4-run lead.

The Bulldogs led 6-2 heading into the bottom of the 5th before Adair took the lead with five runs.

After Carter Hunter gave up five earned runs in 4.2 innings, Cade Ryan got two outs in relief before Cozbey closed things down.

The senior pitched 1.2 shutout innings of relief, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out three.

"Carter pitched well but got tired in the 5th," said Harmon. "But I thought Chandler came in and was really effective in relief for us and closed the game out."

Sophomore Aiden Hendren hit a solo homer in the 5th, as he also drove in another run to help Lincoln in the win.

Cozbey was 2-for-4 at the dish with four RBIs.

Brooks and Brumble each were 2-for-3 in the win, as Brumble doubled along with his RBI single.

Hunter allowed five hits in his 4.2 innings. He walked five hitters and struck out six.

LINCOLN 7, ADAIR 4

In game two of the doubleheader, Lincoln jumped out to a big lead behind some early offense and great pitching to get the sweep.

Lincoln scored all seven runs in the first three innings, while senior Carter Ricke held down the Warriors with four strong innings on the mound.

Ricke allowed one earned run in four innings, striking out two and scattering four hits.

But the real story was the early offense.

After Lincoln led 2-1 through an inning, Cozbey singled to score Lane Hunter in the 2nd to make it 3-1.

Dooley's 2-run double in the 3rd put Lincoln up 5-1 before Cozbey drove in another run in the next at bat.

Cozbey scored shortly after on a passed ball to give the Bulldogs a 7-1 lead through three innings.

"We had a strong offensive performance," said Harmon. "Dooley had the big double, Carter Ricke hit the ball well and Brumble, Cozbey, Brooks and Lane Hunter contributed to the win."

Hendren pitched the final three innings of relief, allowing two earned runs on five hits. He struck out seven.

"The wind kinda went out their sails when Hendren entered," said Harmon. "He pitched really well for us and was getting a lot of swing and misses."

Ricke was 2-for-4 in the win and stole a base.

Photos by Lee Talley