WIth sophomore right-hander Alex Creech in control on the mound and the Harlan County offense pounding out 11 hits, the Harlan County Black Bears completed a sweep of Bell County with a 12-1 six-inning victory Tuesday at Log Mountain.
Creech only one unearned run on four hits while striking out 12 and walking only one in evening his record for the season at 2-2.
“Creech was in his zone tonight. He was locked in from start to finish,” Harlan County coach Scotty Bailey said. “I think he finished around 74 pitches, and that’s pretty stout. He’s gaining more confidence on the mound each time. I’m proud of him. “
Jonah Swanner was one of several stars on offense for the Bears as he drove in three runs with a home run and sacrifice fly. Carter Howard drove in two runs with a triple. Brayden Blakley and Aiden Craig each added a double and single. Issac Kelly, Tristan Cooper, Samuel Henson, Will Cassim and Creech chipped in with one single each.
“Having over 10 hits in a ball game is always a goal I try to set. If we can put the ball in play and get some base hits, we’re going to be all right,” Bailey said. “We’re also getting a lot better on the base path than we have been in a long time, so I’m excited to see them learning and soaking that up. It’s going to make us a lot better ball club. We got some guys stepping up and being leaders like we need. I’m excited to see where we are in the next couple weeks.”
Alex Creech had two of the Bobcats’ four hits. Blake Burnett and Jackson Walters added one single each.
The 7-6 Bears return to action Saturday at home against East Ridge.
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Harlan County 122 034 — 12. 11 3
Bell County 000 001 — 1. 4. 3
Creech and Kelly; Burnett, Clark (6) and Walters. WP — Creech 2-2. LP — Burnett. HR — Swanner (1).