A Harlan County offense that had been surprisingly good in a 5-0 start has fallen silent the last two nights in their first losses of the season.
The Black Bears fell 12-2 in six innings on Monday at Letcher Central and then lost 2-1 on Tuesday at Rye Cove, Va.
Tristan Cooper pitched a one-hitter in the loss at Rye Cove as he struck out 10 and walked six in a complete-game effort.
Will Cassim led the Bears with a pair of doubles and an RBI. Braydon Burton added two singles. Jonah Swanner added one single.
Rye Cove scored both of its runs on an error when a ball fell in right field with two outs and runners on the corners.
Alex Creech walked and scored on a double by Cassim in the sixth inning to cut the lead in half.
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Letcher Central senior Jonah Little pitched a two-hitter with seven strikeouts and no walks as the Cougars downed Harlan County in six innings.
Isaac Kelly and Samuel Henson had the only hits for the Bears.
Creech pitched a complete game for the Bears with six strikeouts and four walks.
Harlan County (5-2) plays host to Whitley County on Tuesday.
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Harlan County 000 001 0 — 1. 5. 3
Rye Cove, Va. 002 000 x — 2. 1. 1
Cooper and Kelly; Grabeel and Cheek. WP — Grabeel. LP — Cooper (2-1).
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Harlan County 002 000 — 2. 2. 2
Letcher Central 403 023 — 12. 16. 4
Creech and Kelly; Little and Kincer, WP — Little. LP — Creech (1-1).