Two nights after building a big lead against Knox County in the opening round of the District 4 Tournament (ages 9-10), the Harlan All-Stars had to take a different approach in the rematch after finding themselves down 4-1 midway through the third inning.
Harlan showed plenty of patience in collecting 16 walks, including nine in a 15-run third inning, to roll past Knox County 16-5 in four innings to take second place in the six-team eastern division to earn a spot in the district final four tournament over the weekend.
“I had to go strategic and take pitches. Their pitchers were struggling (with control), and I didn’t want to help them. I know what we are capable of if we get some momentum,” Harlan coach Steven Johnson said. “It was a lot like last year, and they don’t call us the comeback kids for nothing. Here we are again, and we had to do it all over again this year.”
Seth Johnson collected three of Harlan’s six hits, driving in four runs to lead the Harlan offense. Grant Caldwell had two singles, while Brylee Southerland added one.
Johnson earned the win on the mound, giving up four runs on four hits over 3 1/3 innings, with five strikeouts and one walk. Southerland recorded the final two outs, giving up one hit in the process, to close out the final game of the east division tournament, just as he did last season.
“Seth pitched his tail off today and hit the ball really well. I couldn’t be more proud of my son,” Johnson said. “I was also happy to see Brylee come in and finish it off just like last season.”
Brady Cobb led Knox County with a triple and single with one RBI. Owen Hinkle and Camden Priest each added RBI singles.
The final four of the District 4 Tournament is expected to open Friday at Huff Park.
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Knox County 004 1 — 5. 5. 1
Harlan 10(15) x — 16. 6. 2
Hinkle, Gray (3), Priest (3) and Gray, Trent (3), Gray (3), Johnson, Southerland (4) and Garland, Mills (3). WP — Johnson. LP — Gray.