Playing at Union College and South Laurel High School, the local Appalachian Athletics Varner squad won the Battle of Eastern Kentucky over the weekend by sweeping four games against teams from Knoxville, Louisville and Lexington.
“I’m very proud of our guys wanting to continue getting these necessary reps during the summer. We have a great group of boys that can’t get enough baseball,” said coach Will Varner. “The future is very bright at Harlan.”
Baylor Varner led the squad at the tournament by hitting .429 with a double, two RBI, five runs scored and five stolen bases. He also pitched five innings, giving up four runs with eight strikeouts.
Brody Owens allowed two runs and struck out five in 4 1/3 innings. Jared Moore allowed one run in four innings with two strikeouts.
Caiden Jackson hit .333 with three RBI. Brayden Doan hit .500 and made several nice catches in the outfield. Jake Brewer hit .250 with two RBI.
The squad improved to 7-3 overall and will return to action with two tournaments in July.