Harlan had more hits and fewer errors, but visiting Knox Central made the most of its opportunities Thursday in an 11-6 victory at Harlan. The Panthers took control with a six-run second inning and extended their winning streak to four.
“Knox’s big second inning really hurt our momentum. They figured out the strike zone before we did and took advantage of that. I think they had 11 walks and rhree hit batsmen. When Knox put the ball in play we made the plays. We cut our errors down tonight and played good defensively. That’s good to see the focus on defense intensify,” Harlan coach Lee Freyer said. “I’m proud of our guys and their fight though. They fought through adversity again tonight and didn’t give up. The positives you can take away from tonight are building blocks. I’m excited to see what we can do when we put a whole game together. We are really close.”
Jake Brewer led the Harlan offense with two doubles and a single. Eli Freyer had a double and two singies. Matthew Nunez singled twice. Jaedyn Gist, Baylor Varner, Jared Moore, Brody Owens and Chris Rouse added one single each.
Aiden Johnson started on the mound and gave up five runs on one hit and five walks. Owens allowed four runs on three hits in 3 2/3 innings, with six strikeouts and four walks. Rouse gave up two runs on no hits with two strikeouts and two walks in two innings.
Brady Engle led the Panthers on offense, driving in three runs on two singles. Jacob Osborne and Hayden Melton added one double each with Melton also driving in three runs.
“After Tuesday, I was worried we would come out a little flat. We really didn’t do that tonight. We hit the ball really well,” Harlan coach Lee Freyer said. “Eli, Jake and Matt were seeing the ball well tonight and found some barrels. That’s good to see. I wish we could’ve gotten more runs out of our hits. We just couldn’t seem to come up with a big hit with guys in scoring position.”
The 8-10 Green Dragons return to action Friday at home against Williamsburg. The 7-8 Panthers play host to Somerset on Friday.
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Knox Central 060 030 2 — 11. 4. 4
Harlan 201 011 1 — 6. 13. 2
Carrol, Engle (6) and Collins; Johnson, Owens (2), Rouse (6) and Owens, Rouse (2), Owens (6). WP — Carrol. LP — Johnson (1-2).