In Friday's league challenge, the Merkel Badgers (Merkel, TX) baseball squad edged the visiting Hawley Bearcats (Hawley, TX), by a final score of 2-1.

With the win, Merkel upgrades its record to 9-5 on the season. The Badgers host Clyde (Clyde, TX) to battle the Bulldogs in a 2A Region I District 5 challenge on Tuesday, April 19. The Bulldogs come into the bout with a record of 4-5. Clyde won 14-3 in their recent league bout against Breckenridge (Breckenridge, TX)

Next, the Bearcats face the Anson Tigers (Anson, TX) in a 2A Region I District 5 bout, on Tuesday, April 19. Hawley will attempt to move on its 11-2 season record.