CORBIN — In their run to the final four of the District 4 Tournament (ages 9-10), the Harlan All Stars had a knack for big innings in winning three straight games. Harlan had a 15-run first inning to rout Leslie County, then followed with a six-run second inning against Tri City and ended with an eight-run fifth inning to eliminate Knox County.
Harlan saved its big inning for the end Monday in a final four matchup against Williamsburg at Corbin. Williamsburg built a 7-0 lead going into the sixth inning before Harlan rallied to pull even before Williamsburg scored a run in the bottom of the sixth to win 8-7 and advance to a matchup against North Laurel for second place and a berth in state competition. Hazard/Perry defeated North earlier Monday to win the District 4 championship.
“We had a great run this summer and represented the Harlan Little League well. This is a competitive group that works hard. They have a bright future,” Harlan All Stars coach Anthony Nolan said. :We made a great run in the sixth after struggling to get hits. Unfortunately, they got a runner in scoring position at the bottom of the sixth and scored. We had the momentum, just came up one out short.
Weston Nolan led the Harlan offense with a double. Maddox Helton, Sawyer Shackleford and Lakin Smith added singles.
Maddox Landa gave up two runs in the first inning, including one on an appeal after a Williamsburg runner was originally called out before the call was reversed when umpires decided there was interference on the bases as the runner rounded first. Nolan pitched four innings, striking out five and walking two. Cian Garland pitched the final inning.
“I look forward to seeing them continue to improve,” Nolan said. “Baseball in Harlan County has a great future.”