A Harlan County offense that had slumbered through six losses in the last seven games came to life Tuesday at Harlan in a 13-3 district victory.
Brittleigh Estep drove in four runs with her first high school homer, along with a double and single. Lesleigh Brown pounded out four hits and scored three runs. Halanah Shepherd drove in three runs with a pair of doubles. Jade Burton, Rylie Maggard, Halle Raleigh, Jenna Wilson and Hailey Austin added one hit each.
“I’ve been waiting on our bats to get going again after being in a slump the last few games. At any given time, our 1-9 is capable of a big hit,” Harlan County coach Shelby Burton said. “I love how the girls have mentally fought through the slump and gained their confidence back at the plate.”
Madison Blair gave up three unearned runs with four strikeouts and three walks to earn the win in the circle.
Addison Jackson led Harlan with a double and single. Ella Lisenbee singled twice. Amy Roman, Abbi Fields and Ella Farley singled once each.
Mallory McNiel gave up seven runs (five earned) on seven his with two walks in 3 1/3 innings in the circle. Roman pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up six runs (three earned) on five hits, with two strikeouts and one walk.
The 8-9 Lady Bears play at Knox Central on Thursday. The 1-11 Lady Dragons play host to Bell County on Thursday.
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The Lady Bears suffered their second loss to Bell County in less than a week as they fell 5-3 on Monday at Log Mountain.
Jenna Wilson and Madison Blair led the Lady Bears with a double and single each. Lesleigh Brown, Hailey Austin and Halle Raleigh added one single each.
Blair pitched a complete game, giving up five runs (three earned) on 10 hits with six strikeouts and three walks.