As a top pitcher at Harlan County High School for what feels like the entire decade of the 20s, Tristan Cooper is writing his name in the baseball program’s record books. Cooper recorded the 300th strikeout of his high school career Tuesday as part of a two-hit, 12 strikeout night as the Bears coasted to a 10-0 win in five innings over visiting Middlesboro.
“Cooper was on today, and we always expect him to pitch well. His teammates are always excited to play behind him,” Harlan County coach Scotty Bailey said. “He is coming out and throwing well every time out. We haven’t had to pitch Tristan or Alex (Creech) as much this year because we are growing a little staff with some younger guys contributing. We want to save their arms for the games that matter.”
Senior first baseman Will Cassim had a homer in support of Cooper for the second straight outing. Creech added four RBIs on two doubles and a single. Cooper and freshman shortstop Jesse Gilbert had two singles each. Samuel Henson added one single as the Bears improved to 10-9 overall and 3-1 in district action.
“We had been having to battle for runs, but lately we’ve been hitting better. I think we’re swinging the bats like we’re capable. Creech has been swinging the bat well all season and is starting to find some holes,” Bailey said.
Cooper had an RBI single in the first inning to bring home Gilbert. Aiden Craig scored an errant throw to third on a steal.
Cassim’s blast to left in the third inning followed a walk by Craig for a 4-0 lead.
Creech had a two-run double in the fourth inning, then scored on Cooper’s hit for a 7-0 lead.
Isaac Kelly walked to open the fifth inning and scored on a wild pitch. Gilbert singled and Cassim walked before both came home on Creech’s two-out double to end the game via the 10-run mercy rule.
Middlesboro had the leadoff runner on base in all five innings with the help of three Cooper walks and a hit batsman but couldn’t get in the scoring column. Isaac Harris and Kam Wilson had the only hits for the 2-9 Jackets, who fell to 0-3 in district action.
Wilson suffered the loss as he gave up seven runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. Ethan Johnson allowed three runs on two hits in 1 1/3 innings.
Harlan County is scheduled to play in Rogersville, Tenn., on Friday and Saturday. Middlesboro will play host to Cumberland Gap, Tenn., on Friday.
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Middlesboro 000 00 — 0 2. 4
Harlan County 202 33 — 10. 9. 0
Wilson, Johnson (4) and Colt Bayless; Cooper and Kelly. WP — Cooper (4-2). LP — WIlson. HR – Cassim (2).