The Harlan County Lady Bears’ slow start continued Saturday afternoon in an ugly 14-1 loss to visiting Jackson County.
Harlan County had eight errors and was limited to only two hits, but that was only part of the problem as the Lady Bears’ lack of hustle on the base paths and indecision on defense allowed the game to get out of hand. Harlan County runners slowed down going into second base instead of sliding on at least two occasions and didn’t always appear to hustle down the line going to first base.
Halanah Shepherd had a sharp single to left to lead off the third inning, and Brittleigh Estep singled to center in the fifth for the only HCHS hits.
Emily Mays led the 2-2 Lady Generals with three singles and a sacrifice fly in four trips to the plate. Kylie Moore had a triple and single. Baylee Berry and Ella Sallee each added a double and single. Blakely Fee Josie Starcher and Candice Williams added one single each.
Williams started in the circle but was removed after walking four Lady Bears in 2/3 of an inning. Moore earned the win as she allowed two hits in 4 1/3 shutout innings, with four strikeouts and three walks.
Aly Sherman was a last-minute addition to the lineup to replace Madison Blair as the pitcher. The freshman lefty gave up 11 hits while striking out one and walking three.
The Lady Bears return to action Monday at home against Clay County.
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Harlan County fell 7-1 at Hazard on Thursday.
Jade Burton’s RBI double to bring home Jenna Wilson accounted for the only HCHS run. Blair, Wilson and Lesleigh Brown added one single each.
Blair suffered the loss as she gave up seven runs (four earned) on nine hits with one strikeout and one walk.
Harlan County lost 8-1 on Friday at Whitley County. No statistics were available.
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Jackson County 312 53 — 14. 12. 1
Harlan County 100 00 — 1. 2. 8
Williams, Moore (1) and Fee; Sherman and Burton. WP — Moore. LP — Sherman (0-1).