An inexperienced Harlan County squad capitalized on an even more inexperienced Middlelsboro team in the district opener for both teams, rolling to a 15-0 three-inning win Monday at HCHS.
After going down in order in the first inning, the Harlan County offense came alive in the second. The Bears exploded for 12 runs, including 10 unearned due to three errors, to take control.
“We hadn’t played in a week since our games over spring break were canceled (due to rain), but we had some good practices, and I think that was what we needed, so it was a blessing in disguise,” Harlan County coach Scotty Bailey said. “We hit the ball a little better tonight. We didn’t strike out very much after we struggled the first inning. We got some guys on base, then (Brayden) Morris had the bunt to kind of open it up for us. We played well as a team.”
Junior catcher DaShaun Smith led the HCHS offense with two doubles and a single for three RBI in three at bats. Gunner Burkhart added two singles. Alex Creech and Brennan Blevins had one single each.
“DaShaun started slow this season but he has really picked up. Coach (Sean) Johnson has worked with him a lot. He is seeing the ball well and is hitting it hard,” Bailey said.
Chance Sturgill walked to open the second inning, then Morris laid down a bunt that led to a hurried throw and error at first base. Smith brought in two runs with a double, then Burkhart singled before Brennan Blevins made it 3-1 with a sacrifice fly. Smith added another two-run double, then Blevins singled home one run and Creech singled home two for a 12-0 lead.
Smith and Burkhart had singles in the third inning with Burkhart driving in the 13th run. A balk made it 14-0 before walks to Gunnar Johnson and Blevins forced in the final run for the 15-run mercy rule.
Creech, the Bears’ senior right-hander, gave up a leadoff double to Colt Bayless before picking off courtesy runner Nate Wicks at second base. He pitched to the minimum nine hitters with seven strikeouts and no walks.
“Alex threw it well. He located his pitches well and threw it hard,” Bailey said. “I thought he did an excellent job.
Mitchell Capps, an eighth grader, started on the mound for the 0-6 Jackets and gave up 12 runs (two earned) on five hits over two innings with three strikeouts and six walks. Isaac Harris allowed three runs on two hits with three walks in a third of an inning to end the game.
The two teams will meet again on Tuesday at Middlesboro.
———
Middlesboro 000 — 0. 1. 4
Harlan County 0(12)3 — 15. 7. 0
Capps, Harris (3) and Bayless; Creech and Smith. WP — Creech (1-3). LP — Capps.