Harlan County’s comeback fell short Friday in an 8-6 loss to visiting North Laurel.
Cooper Elza drove in two runs and scored three as he pounded out three hits to lead the Jaguars. Carter Kelley and Andrew Cupp added two hits each.
Bradyn Evans, a sophomore, allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. Cupp recorded the final two outs for the save.
Will Cassim led the Bears with three hits. Aiden Craig contributed two hits. Isaac Kelly, Jesse Gilbert, Mason Himes and Samuel Henson added one hit each.
Tristan Cooper suffered the loss as he gave up six runs (two earned) on six hits in 4 1/3 innings, with 10 strikeouts and four walks. Zayden Casolari allowed two runs on three hits with two strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.
Harlan County scored two in the seventh inning and had the bases loaded when Cooper was cut down at the plate as he tried score when the ball skipped past North Laurel catcher Cameron Smith.
Shelby Valley rallied from a 2-0 deficit midway through the fourth inning to win 4-2.
Cooper led the Bears with two hits. Kelly, Alex Creech, Cassim, Gilbert and Craig added one hit each.
Gilbert gave up three runs on five hits with five strikeouts and two walks in five innings on the mound. Creech allowed one run on two hits in one inning.
Harlan County (14-14) plays host to Letcher Central on Tuesday and Williamsburg on Thursday to close the regular season.
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Harlan County 001 100 0 — 2. 7. 0
Shelby Valley 000 121 x — 4. 7. 2
Gilbert, Creech (6) and Kelly; Newsome and Taylor. WP — Newsome. LP — Gilbert (4-2).
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North Laurel 011 042 0 — 8. 9. 2
Harlan County 110 011 2 — 6. 9. 2
Evans, Cupp (7) and Smith; Cooper, Casolari (5) and Kelly. WP — Evans. LP — Cooper (5-4). SV — Cupp.