Harlan County exploded for nine runs in the first two innings on the way to a 15-3 win Monday at Middlesboro.
Alex Creech limited the Jackets to one earned run on six hits over 4 2/3 innings, striking out five and walking two. Freshman Jesse Gilbert gave up one hit with two strikeouts as he pitched the final 1 1/3 innings.
Tristan Cooper led the Bears’ 14-hit attack with a double and two singles for three RBI. Mason Himes added a homer and single for three RBI. Creech and Isaac Kelly each added a double and single. Samuel Henson singled twice. Gilbert, Will Cassim and Aiden Craig added one single each.
The Bears improved to 8-8 overall with the win and 2-1 in district action.
Eighth grader Cayden Burchett led the Jackets with two singles. Case Bayless, Eli Witherspoon, Malachi Coots, Ethan Johnson and Colt Bayless added one single each.
Case Bayless, a senior lefty, pitched a complete game for the 2-8 Jackets, giving up 15 runs (10 earned) on 14 hits with three strikeouts and five walks.
The two teams meet again Tuesday at HCHS.
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Harlan County 540 033 — 15. 14. 2
Middlesboro 001 020 — 3. 7. 3
Creech, Gilbert (5) and Kelly; Case Bayless and Colt Bayless. WP — Creech 3-1. LP — Case Bayless. HR — Himes 1.