Alex Creech recorded his third straight strong start as he gave up only one hit over five innings Thursday in Harlan County’s 7-1 win over visiting Shelby Valley.
Creech, a junior, struck out six and walked two over five shutout innings to improve to 2-0 on the season and give the Bears their third straight victory. Tristan Cooper allowed one unearned run over two innings with two strikeouts and two walks to close the game.
Will Cassim led the HCHS offense with a double and single. Jonah Swanner singled twice. Aiden Craig added a double. Isaac Kelly and Samuel Henson had one single each.
Bryce Bentley tripled in the seventh and scored the Wildcats’ only run on an error on the play. Riley Newsome had the only Shelby Valley (6-1) hit with a double.
Harlan County (5-3) will play a doubleheader Saturday at Williamsburg.
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Shelby Valley 000 000 1 — 1. 2. 4
Harlan County 111 022 x — 7. 7. 1
Bentley, Taylor (5), Newsome (6) and Bentley; Creeech, Cooper (6) and Kelly. WP — Creech 2-0. LP — Bentley.