Dallas County High School used its regular-season finale against Keith High as a tune-up for the Class 4A state baseball playoffs.

Pitcher Hayden Roberts struck out four batters as the Hornets hammered the Bears 17-2 on Tuesday at Earl Griffin Baseball Field in Plantersville. The game was called after four innings because of the state’s 12-run mercy rule.

Dallas County (8-7) will host Holtville in a 4A state playoff doubleheader on Friday at 4 p.m. in Plantersville.

Roberts, a freshman, improved to 2-0 on the season. He was one of several young players the Hornets turned to against the Bears. Dallas County rested several of its starters.

“Winning this game was a great confidence booster for us heading into the state playoffs,” Roberts said. “We’re just getting ready for the playoffs.”

Dallas County coach Mark Roleau said the Hornets have delivered during the entire season.

“My young players have stepped up all year,” Roleau said. “I know what to expect out of them and they know what to expect from me. We’ve played a lot of young players this year.”

Jon Brown and Darrius Ellis each had three hits and drove in three runs for the Hornets. D.J. Smyley, Trey Vickery, Josh Brown and Chase MacComb all drove in runs for the Hornets.