Big fourth inning propels Jackets past Harlan

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Jon Dickenson

Harlan’s Jake Brewer headed back to first base as Middlesboro pitcher Kam Wilson threw over during Tuesday’s district clash. The Jackets avenged a 4-3 loss from a night earlier with a 10-4 victory.

A six-run fourth inning was the difference as Middlesboro avenged a loss a night earlier with a 10-4 victory Tuesday against the visiting Harlan Green Dragons to split the two-game district series.
“Middlesboro is a well-coached team. We knew after last night we would get their best shot tonight. Hats off to them. They played a good game,’ Harlan coach Lee Freyer said. “We’ve talked before about big innings. Tonight they had a big one in the fourth. We have to stop allowing those. Errors kill you, you can’t give a team like Middlesboro extra outs. We just have to flush those errors. We talk all the time about how the most important play is the next one. We are growing together as a team. This is a great group of young men to coach. To see them develop and grow every game is encouraging. We have got to keep grinding and keep growing. You can see flashes of what this team is capable of. It’s just being confident in your abilities and consistent in your effort everyday.
Senior second baseman Lane Bayless had a homer and single, scoring three and driving three to lead the Middlesboro offense. Connor Mason also scored three runs on two hits.
Kameron Wilson, a junior lefthander, earned the win as he scattered seven hits over 6 1/3 innings, giving up four runs while striking out four and walking four. Case Bayless gave up a hit before recording the final out.
Luke Luttrell suffered the loss as he gave up four runs on five hits with six strikeouts and three walks in 3 2/3 innings. Jared Moore allowed six runs (two earned) on four hits in 2 1/3 innings, with one strikeout and two walks.
Donovan Montanaro and Moore each had two hits for the 7-6 Dragons. Jaedyn Gist added a double. Baylor Varner, Brody Owens and Jake Brewer chipped in with one single each.
“Donovan hit the ball well tonight, and he’s such a threat on the base paths. Jae’dyn is starting to find his comfort zone at the plate, too. I know he’s been a little frustrated hitting, but he’s rounding back into form,” Freyer said. “Luke pitched well. He’s still learning the high school game. When he’s confident on the mound, he’s as good as anybody. He just needs more experience. Jake Brewer is finding his stroke back at the plate, too. That’s encouraging. I know what he’s capable of and so does he. He made solid contact tonight. Eli flashed some leather at first tonight on a diving stop. He’s hitting the ball well, it just seems like it’s always right at someone. Those will eventually start falling.”
Harlan returns to action Thursday at home against Hancock County, Tenn. Middlesboro (5-5) travels to Cumberland Gap, Tenn., on Thursday.
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Harlan 300 000 1 — 4. 8. 5
Middlesboro 200 602 x — 10. 9. 0
Luttrell, Moore (4) and Owens; Wilson, Case Bayless (7) and Colt Bayless. WP — Wilson. LP — Lutrell (2-1). HR — Lane Bayless.