One day after clinching the 52nd District’s top seed with a 7-2 win over Middlesboro, the Harlan County Black Bears capped a perfect regular season against district competition with a 12-2 six-inning victory Tuesday at Middlesboro. It was the first regular-season district sweep for the Bears since 2015 and only the second in the 15-year history of the school.
“This was a huge step for us. District games are always tough, and for the boys to focus up and get the job done all six games says something,” Harlan County coach Scotty Bailey said. “ It was something they set a goal of winning all six and they obtained that goal. I’m very proud of them, they did it as a team.”
Sophomore right-hander Alex Creech shut out the Jackets over the first four innings and finished with a six-hitter, including seven strikeouts and four walks as he improved to 3-3 on the season.
Creech also led the HCHS offense with a double and two singles. Jonah Swanner and Brayden Blakley each added two hits with Swanner driving in three runs. Carter Howard and Braydon Burton contributed doubles. Isaac Kelly, Tristan Cooper and Will Cassim added singles.
“Creech was on today,” Bailey said. “He came out with the right mindset and threw great. He hit some spots and had that little swag to him that you want to see on the mound. He also has been seeing the ball great and producing at the plate for us. I’m very proud of him.”
Brady Carroll led the 9-8 Jackets with a double and single. Connor Mason, Conner Winterberger, Case Bayless and Cole Bayless contributed one single each. The Jackets finished their district schedule with a 3-3 mark, tying Harlan for the second seed.
Junior left-hander Case Bayless suffered the loss as he gave up eight runs (two earned) on five hits over 2 2/3 innings. Kam Wilson allowed two runs on four hits over 2 1/3 innings. Carroll allowed two runs on three hits in one inning.
Harlan County returns to action Thursday at Knott Central.
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Harlan County 305 013 — 12. 12. 2
Middlesboro 000 011 — 2. 6. 4
Creech and Kelly; Case Bayless, Wilson (3), Carroll (6) and Colt Bayless. WP — Creech (3-3). LP — Case Bayless.