As a freshman on a veteran Harlan County squad, Jessie Gilbert has made an immediate impact with the Bears as a hitter, fielder and a pitcher.
Gilbert ran his record to 3-0 as he pitched six solid innings in the Bears’ 6-4 win Friday over Cherokee, Tenn., in the Buddy Hawk Classic in Rogersville, Tenn. Gilbert gave up only three hits and three unearned runs while striking out three and walking one. Zayden Casolari, also a freshman, earned the save as he allowed one unearned run in one inning on the mound.
Mason Himes led the Bears on offense with a double and single. Gunner Burkhart and Isaac Kelly added two singles each. Aiden Craig, Will Cassim, Alex Creech and Tristan Cooper had one single each.
Gage Adkins led the 15-8 Chiefs with two singles.
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Himes and Samuel Henson each had two hits and Josh Duckworth gave up only one run over four innings as Harlan County coasted to an 11-6 win over Northview Academy, Tenn., in the second game Friday.
Creech added a two-run double for the Bears in a six-run fifth inning that blew the game open. Craig, Kelly, Cassim and Cooper had one single each.
Duckworth gave up only three hits with one strikeout and one walk. Casolari allowed five runs on seven hits with one strikeout in one inning on the mound.
The 11-8 Bears travel to Bell County on Monday and play host to the Bobcats on Tuesday.
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Harlan County 010 040 1 — 6. 10. 3
Cherokee 000 300 1 — 4. 4. 3
Gilbert, Casolari (7) and Kelly; Housewright, Elliott (5), Hunter (5), Elliott (7) and Putnal. WP — Gilbert (3-0). LP — Elliott. SV — Casolari (2).
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Harlan County 032 06 — 11. 9. 3
Northview Academy 001 05 — 6. 10. 1
Duckworth, Casolari (5) and Kelly; George, Ogle (2), Hickman (3), Hughey (3), Cox (5) and Briggs. WP — Duckworth (1-1). LP — George.