Alexis Adams supplied the big hit on the offensive side with a go-ahead three-run double in the third inning and pitched her first complete game since suffering a hamstring injury a month ago as the Harlan County Lady Bears defeated visiting Middlesboro 7-3 on Thursday. Adams scattered seven hits with 13 strikeouts and four walks.
“This was Lexie’s first start since her injury and once she got settled in I thought she brought what we expect of her,” Harlan County coach Shelby Burton said.
Senior shortstop Madison Blair led the Harlan County offense with four singles in four at bats. Adams added a double. Aly Sherman, Jade Burton and Halanah Shepherd chipped in with singles.
“We had fallen off a little in hitting lately. I expect a lot out of them. They settled in a little more tonight and were more selective,” Burton said. “I’m excited about what they can do the next few weeks.”
Middlesboro suffered its sixth straight loss and 10th in 11 games to fall to 4-11 on the season. Kenna Lawson led the Lady Jackets’ offense from the leadoff spot with three singles. Keevi Betts had two singles. Addison Lawson and Abney Allen added one single each.
Kenna Lawson gave up three runs on four hits in three innings with one strikeout and two walks. Addison Lawson allowed four runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning, with one strikeout and four walks. Lily Partin pitched 2 1/3 shutout innings, giving up one hit with one strikeout and one walk.
Middlesboro grabbed an early lead when Kenna Lawson led off with a single and Betts was safe on a bunt when Shepherd grabbed the ball before it went foul. Addison Lawson loaded the bases with a walk. Two runs scored on one play as courtesy runner Addison Seigler came home on a wild pitch, and Betts raced home when Adams missed the throw back to the plate.
After failing to capitalize with the bases loaded in the first inning, the Lady Bears broke through in the third as Adams’ double cleared the bases and put HCHS ahead 3-2.
Sherman, Blair and Burton had consecutive hits in the fourth inning for two runs. Adams and Braylen Gilley each drew bases-loaded walks for two more runs and a 7-2 lead.
Middlesboro made it interesting in the seventh inning as Kenna Lawson, Betts and Addison Lawson recorded consecutive one-out singles to load the bases, Alexis Ingram grounded out to second for an RBI,. Allen hit a blooper behind the mound that appeared to score another run, but after an appeal from Burton the umpires called Addison Lawson out for interference as she apparently collided with Blair as she went for the ball, ending the game.
The Harlan County defense was solid overall with only one error and several nice plays, including Blair at shortstop, D’Anna Cook at third and Aviya Halcomb in left field.
“Our defense is one of the biggest things I’m proud of. They work hard to get to balls and make hustle plays,” Burton said. “
Harlan County (7-8) plays at South Laurel on Friday. Middlesboro travels to Bell County on Tuesday.
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Middlesboro 200 000 1 — 3. 8. 2
Harlan County 003 400 x — 7. 8. 1
Kenna Lawson, Addison Lawson (4), Partin (4) and Ingram; Adams and Burton. WP — Adams (3-2). LP — Kenna Lawson.