A five-run top of the first inning put the Harlan County Black Bears in position for an upset in the opening game of the 13th Region Tournament at Corbin High School.
Corbin, one of the tournament favorites, wiped out the lead in one at bat, then pulled away with a 17-hit performance to knock off the Bears 17-7 in five innings.
Sophomore second baseman Kade Elam led the 25-9 Hounds with a homer, triple and single for two RBI and four runs scored. Cam Estep also had three hits with two RBI and three runs scored. Walker Landrum, Cameron Combs, Mikey Neal, Jeremiah Gilbert and Bradric Helton added two hits each.
Samuel Henson led the Bears with a double and single for two RBI. Jonah Swanner, Tristan Cooper, Alex Creech, Mason Himes and Brayden Blakley added one single each.
Cooper gave up 10 runs (nine earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts and four walks in two innings on the mound. Karsten Dixon allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits with no strikeouts or walks in two innings. Himes recorded the final out, giving up one run on one hit with two walks.
Cruz Cima gave up five runs in one inning before Ethan Abner came on to restore order in the second inning, giving up one run on no hits with two walks and five strikeouts in three innings. Will Freeman gave up one run on two hits in one inning, striking out one and walking one.
Corbin advances to the regional semifinals.
Harlan County finished the season with a 17-13 mark. The Bears lose only two senior starters and three seniors overall.
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Harlan County 510 01 — 7. 7. 6
Corbin 615 32 — 17. 17. 1
Cooper, Dixon (3), Himes (5) and Kelly; Cima, Abner (2), Freeman (5) and Combs. WP — Abner. LP — Cooper (6-4). HR — Elam.