Even though a four-game losing streak was the result of a spring break trip earlier this month to Elizabethtown, Harlan coach Lee Freyer was more concerned with his getting his team ready for district games.
That experience paid dividends Monday as the Dragons found themselves trailing 3-1 heading into their last at bat. The Dragons were able to put pressure on the Bell defense by putting the ball in play, leading to three errors and three runs as Harlan rallied for a 4-3 victory.
“When we set our schedule up we wanted to set ourselves up with hardships with hopes when we started playing district games they would be ready for these kinds of moments,” Freyer said. “This bunch is not going to give up, I want them to experience games like this and show some grit, and they did that. I’m proud of them.”
Bell County ace Blake Burnett had limited the Dragons to four singles and no walks through six dominant innings before Harlan began to chip away. Jared Moore led off with a walk, then Jake Brewer beat out an infield hit. Burnett struck out Luke Luttrell before freshman Jaxson Perry laid down a nice bunt that turned into an error when Burnett fell trying to field the ball and make a quick throw. Burnett almost ended the game when Matt Nunez grounded into a force out that looked like it might be a double play before the relay throw bounced past first base to bring in two runs and keep the game alive with the second error of the inning. Chris Rouse hit a ground ball to short that turned into the third error of the inning. Baylor Varner was intentionally walked to load the bases, setting the stage for Brody Owens to win the game by beating out an infield hit.
“We wanted to put the ball in play and make them get us out instead of allowing them to get us out,” Freyer said. “That’s what I wanted to do the last inning and make them make the plays.”
Burnett gave up only one earned run on six hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.
Varner was also strong on the mound for Harlan as he allowed three runs on six hits with 12 strikeouts and two walks over 6 2/3 innings before reaching the 120-pitch limit, Moore gave up one hit as he recorded the final out to earn the win when the Dragons rallied.
“Both guys were throwing real well tonight. They were executing and hitting their spots,” Freyer said. “Both pitchers did a great job.”
Owens led the 5-7 Dragons with two hits. Eli Freyer, Varner, Moore and Brewer had one hit each.
Cooper Brock had four hits in four at bats to lead the 4-6 Bobcats. Joseph Brigmon added a double and single. Brayden Carroll added one hit.
The two teams play again on Tuesday at Bell County.
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Bell County 002 000 1 — 3. 7. 3
Harlan 001 000 3 — 4. 6. 0
Burnett and Brigmon; Varner, Moore (7) and Owens. WP — Moore (2-1). LP — Burnett.