After a 12-run second inning on Monday, the Harlan County Black Bears started earlier in the rematch Tuesday with nine runs in the first inning on the way to a 15-5 six-inning win.
Senior second baseman Aiden Craig collected three hits and drove in three runs to lead the HCHS offense. DaShaun Smith and Gunner Burkhart each added doubles. Alex Creech, Carson Clark, Jesse Gilbert and Colby Shepherd had singles.
“Tonight was a great team win,” Harlan County coach Scotty Bailey said. “We started off swinging the bat much better tonight. My two seniors led off with two singles and we rolled from there, we roll a lot off of Creech and Craig and they really set the tone offensively and defensively tonight, Creech had some put outs and turned a double play himself, Craig had multiple put outs as well, I was proud of them leading the charge. Creech went one for one with 2 RBIs and Craig went three for three tonight, Craig had a full turn around from Mondays game, I was proud of they responded tonight to lead the pack. We had a really good first inning, DeShaun added a double in the first, and he’s seeing it really well.”
Gilbert started on the mound and pitched two hitless innings. Carson Clark allowed five unearned runs on five hits in 1 2/3 innings. Zayden Casolari pitched 2 1/3 hitless innings with five strikeouts and two walks to earn the win.
“After the second inning, I got to sub in some young guys, and it was pretty cool to be able to do that,” Bailey said. “Those guys work extremely hard in practice and they got to get some innings in a district game. I was really proud of my young guys, Elijah Creech made a great play up the middle that looked like a veteran play. We got young guys competing every day and I love it. I’m proud of my older guys for how they support and work with my younger guys. It was a great team district win today. I’m proud of the growth this team continues to have. Gilbert started the game tonight and was throwing it really well. I’m proud of how much he’s worked and how good he is locating.”
Emmitt Butler and John Hayes, both eighth graders, led the Jackets with two singles each. Caden Lawson added a double.
Bryson Heck suffered the loss as he gave up nine runs (three earned) on five hits in one-third of an inning. Colt Bayless pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up six runs (four earned) on four hits with seven strikeouts and three walks.
The 4-6 Black Bears play at Clay County on Saturday. The 0-7 Jackets travel to Harlan on Monday.
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Harlan County 930 003 — 15. 9. 1
Middlesboro 000 500 — 5. 5. 4
Gilbert, Clark (3), Casolari (4) and Smith; Heck, Bayless (5) and Capps. WP — Casolari (2-2). LP — Heck.
