Bell County pounded out 11 hits and capitalized on 20 walks to roll to a 16-3 win Monday at Middlesboro in the district opener for both squads.
Holden Clark drove in four runs with two hits and three stolen bases to lead the 5-4 Bobcats. Cooper Brock added a pair of doubles. Brayden Carroll and Hunter Fuson each contributed a double and single. Blake Burnett and Jackson Walters had two singles each. Daniel Thomas added one single with three RBI.
Burnett earned the win on the mound as he allowed only one earned run and four hits over five innings, with eight strikeouts and three walks. Derrick Goodin and Carroll pitched one hitless inning of relief with Carroll striking out two.
“Any time you can get a district win it’s a good night. Burnett threw well and really competed even though he didn’t have his best stuff,” Bell County coach Jeff Sziksai said. “We had some good at-bats and were able get guys on in every inning, but we were never really able to get that big hit to bust it open early. Brock, Clark and Carroll carried the load for us offensively and had really good at-bats all night. All-in-all a good night, but we have a lot to work on.”
No statistics were available for Middlesboro (2-7).
The two teams meet again Tuesday at Bell County.